Disney has the knack of transporting audiences to a whole new world and for those in the audience, Aladdin manages to transform the Crown Theatre into the “Happiest place on Earth.”
With music written by Oscar winning duo Alan Menken and Tim Rice, Aladdin is the theatrical creation based on the 1992 award winning movie. This production manages to captivate the imagination of the audience and transport them to the land of Agrabah.
Ainsley Melham as Aladdin has a cheeky, charming presence and immediately commands attention. He is able to draw the audience into his characters plight as they sympathise with his struggle to become the boy his mother will be proud of. His rendition of Proud of your Boy is delivered with heartfelt emotion.
Shubshri Kandiah as Princess Jasmine portrays an innocence and independence as she struggles to marry for love and be treated as an equal. Melham and Kandiah exude a chemistry between them as the two characters meet and fall in love.
Gareth Jacobs as the Genie is energetic as he sings, dances and delivers one liners. His show stopping number Friend Like Me had the audience on its feet half way through the show. Adam Murphy and Aljin Abella as the villains Jafar and Lago do an amusing Laurel and Hardy routine acting as the wicked duo with evil laughs.
Aladdin’s three friends Kassim, Babkak and Omar, played by Adam Jon Fiorentino, Troy Sussman and Adam Di Martino respectively play the bumbling mates who are always there to defend and rescue their friend. High Adventure is a spirited routine complete with precision choreography, as swords crash around their heads adding to the musicality of the number.
The ensemble perform some spectacular dance sequences with enthusiasm and at times surrounded by resplendent sets. The cave of wonders and flying magic carpet are themselves stars of the show. The magic carpet has audience members trying to fathom how it flies across the stage suspended in mid air.
With some 500,000 Swarovski crystals used in the costuming the cast at times dazzle and shine, washing the stage in magical colourful scenes. Aladdin is what Disney does best. Bright, energetic production numbers surrounded by lavish sets and costumes, capped off by impeccable performances. All in all, an exuberant production the whole family will enjoy.
Aladdin The Musical
Crown Theatre Perth, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood
Performance: Saturday 21 July 2018 – 7:30pm
Season continues to 28 October 2018
Bookings: www.crownperth.com.au
For more information, visit: www.aladdinthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Aladdin (Ainsley Melham) and Jasmine (Shubshri Kandiah) – photo by James Green
Review: Craig Dalglish