Gareth Jacobs to take on coveted Genie role in Aladdin

Disney Gareth Jacobs Aladdin Genie AAR editorialDisney Theatrical Productions have confirmed, that Melbourne’s Gareth Jacobs, current standby Genie in Disney’s Aladdin, will take over the role full-time from Tuesday 19 December 2017. Helpmann award-winner Michael James Scott, who originated the role in the Australian production, will pass on the magic lamp after almost 18 months as the show-stopping Genie.

Frankston-born Gareth Jacobs trained in musical theatre at the University of Ballarat in regional Victoria and honed his skills on the high seas as lead vocalist and vocal captain for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. He was a Top 24 contestant on The X Factor and played the role of Jimmy Early in StageArt’s Dreamgirls. He has been understudying Genie, Sultan and Babkak in Disney’s Aladdin since the Australian premiere in August 2016.

“To play the Genie in this phenomenal production really is a wish come true,” said Gareth. “I’m a huge fan of the original animated Disney film and to learn the musical ropes from the magical Michael James Scott has been an added blessing. I can’t wait to move into the lamp permanently and get granting those wishes full-time – you ain’t never had a friend like me!”

Gareth joins 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.

This dazzling production from the producers of The Lion King and Mary Poppins is now playing at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre where it will remain until 28 January 2018, before the magic carpet takes flight on 25 February in Brisbane, and 19 July Perth. The musical made its Australian premiere in Sydney on 11 August 2016.  For more information, visit: www.aladdinthemusical.com.au for details.

Image: Gareth Jacobs as the Genie – courtesy of Disney Theatrical Productions