Disney Theatrical Productions has confirmed that its hit Broadway musical Aladdin will extend the magic carpet ride to Adelaide in 2019 – the first time a main stage Disney Theatrical production has ever been presented in South Australia.
“Over the years, four of our Disney Theatrical shows have been received in Australia with incredible warmth and affection,” said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer Disney Theatrical Production. “But we know that South Australians have had to travel to those other cities to see those shows.”
“So it’s fantastic that – through The Adelaide Festival Centre and The South Australian government – South Australians, and visitors to Adelaide, will be able to experience Aladdin in your wonderful Festival Theatre.’’
The Australian production boasts a cast of 34 and a staggering 337 glittering costumes, which feature 1,225 different fabrics, 712 different styles of beads and almost 500,000 Swarovski crystals used in the costumes alone.
Forty tonnes of exotic flying scenery and 60 tonnes of automation and staging will be transferred across Australia in no fewer than twenty six 48 foot trucks 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.
The Australian principal cast features Gareth Jacobs in the role of the Genie, Ainsley Melham as Aladdin, Shubshri Kandiah 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.
Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon), Aladdin features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for the stage. Adapted from the Disney film and centuries-old folktales including One Thousand and One Nights, Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exotic world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance.
“Aladdin is a genuine Broadway smash-hit and securing it for Adelaide is tremendously exciting,” said Adelaide Festival Centre Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director, Douglas Gautier. “This show will thrill devoted Aladdin fans and new audiences. This is a wonderful opportunity to see a major musical at Festival Theatre and we can’t wait to welcome Aladdin, Jasmine, the Genie and the whole show to Adelaide.”
A waitlist is now open for those wishing to be first in line for tickets when they go on presale in October. For more information, to book tickets for Brisbane and Perth or to join the waitlist for Adelaide, visit: www.aladdinthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Gareth Jacobs as the Genie (supplied)