Aladdin set to dazzle Melbourne

Disney Aladdin Genie Michael James Scott melb editorialFollowing its critically acclaimed season in Sydney, Disney Theatrical Productions hit Broadway musical, Aladdin is set to dazzle audiences at its Melbourne premiere at Her Majesty’s Theatre tonight.

Adapted from the Disney film and centuries-old folktales including One Thousand and One NightsAladdin is brought to theatrical life in this bold fun-filled musical. Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exotic world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance. This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for the stage.

Aladdin is considered one of the largest productions ever mounted in Australia boasting a cast of 37 including Michael James Scott in the role of the Genie, Ainsley Melham as Aladdin, Hiba Elchikhe as Jasmine, Adam Murphy as Jafar, Aljin Abella as Iago, George Henare as the Sultan, Adam Jon Fiorentino as Kassim, Troy Sussman as Babkak and Robert Tripolino as Omar.

The production features a staggering 337 costumes crafted by over 70 artisans. Furthermore an unprecedented 1,225 different fabrics, 712 different styles of beads, almost 500,000 Swarovski crystals and 161 pairs of custom-made shoes have been used to make the glittering costumes, predominantly handcrafted in Australia.

Thirty tonnes of exotic flying scenery and 40 tonnes of automation and staging have been built to recreate the fantasy city of Agrabah including the colourful marketplace, the lush palace of The Sultan and his princess daughter Jasmine and the legendary Cave of Wonders.

“We are hugely proud of this Australian production from Casey Nicholaw, his creative team and the Australian cast and crew,” said Thomas Schumacher, President and Producer, Disney Theatrical Productions. “The more we work here, the more we are impressed by a deep pool of musical theatre talent that only continues to grow.”

“I know this show and it’s gorgeous designs by Bob Crowley, Gregg Barnes and Natasha Katz will look fabulous in Her Majesty’s Theatre and we look forward to welcoming you there.”

Opening on Broadway to critical acclaim in March 2014, Aladdin quickly established itself as one of the biggest new blockbusters in recent years, breaking 11 New Amsterdam Theatre house records and welcoming over 3 million people worldwide. Its global footprint has expanded to include productions in Tokyo, Hamburg, London and Sydney.

The animated film, Aladdin was released by Disney in 1992 and was a critical and box office smash, grossing over $500 million worldwide (not adjusted for inflation) and becoming the highest-grossing film of the year. The film won an Oscar for Best Original Score and a second for Best Original Song with A Whole New World – which also won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year.

Aladdin
Her Majesty’s Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Season: 20 April – 22 October 2017
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au

For more information, visit: www.aladdinthemusical.com.au for details.

Image: Michael James Scott as the Genie – courtesy of Disney Theatrical Productions