By Benedicte Dansie
Broadway at the Eccles in Salt Lake City, Utah presents Disney’s Aladdin, which leaves audiences laughing, cheering, and sighing in delight. Aladdin is a glittering night of fun for the whole family, transporting you from the streets of Salt Lake City to the sweeping sands of Agrabah. The production is truly dazzling and unlike anything I had ever seen before.
Disney’s Aladdin is the perfect mix of the classic 90’s animated film and the sweeping spectacle of Broadway. With music by Alan Menken, orchestrations by Danny Troob, dance and music arrangements by Glen Kelly, and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin, the musical moves from huge, easily recognizable full-company numbers such as “Arabian Nights”and “Friend like Me” to softer, sweeping songs that are exclusive to the musical, such as “Proud of Your Boy”and “A Million Miles Away.” These songs combined with the spectacular dance choreography make for a show that maintains its high energy and keeps audiences thoroughly entertained throughout the production. Music supervisor Michael Kosarin has done an incredible job in blending all the musical elements together and ensuring that everything flows seamlessly from one number to the next.
The scenic design (Bob Crowley) and costume design (Gregg Barnes) were simply awe inspiring. I have seen quite a few Broadway musicals and have never seen anything as lavish or intricately designed as the set and costumes for Aladdin. The vibrant colors, glimmering gold, and huge moving set pieces are only the beginning. These aspects combined with the lighting (Natasha Katz) and sound design (Ken Travis) make for a complete, full-sensory show that packed a major punch. Jasmine and Aladdin sweep high above the stage, leaving audiences breathless with delight and wonder; the roaring tiger head of the cave of wonders causes people to gasp in fear and awe. There are amazing moments when pyrotechnics and streamers are used to add to the full 360-degree effect. Overall, it is truly one of the most astonishing productions I have ever seen, pulled off with a seamlessness and exuberance that director Casey Nicholaw and the entire cast should be unspeakably proud of.
Clinton Greenspan as Aladdin is an instant crowd favorite. He has a mischievous and boyish charm that instantly endears him to everyone and suits the role perfectly. He is able to take characteristics from the original character and meld them with something of his own to provide a fun and heartfelt performance. His interactions with Kaenaonalani Kekoa as Jasmine with their playful discourse and light flirtation are so sweet; it is just fun to be carried away by their whirlwind romance. Kekoa is a new face to Broadway theater, and she absolutely smashes this initial role. She slips into the part, moving with ease through the princess’s wide range of emotions. This, in addition to her stunning vocals, really creates a stellar Princess Jasmine. Greenspan and Kekoa combined offer a powerhouse duo that I’m sure makes the audiences fall in love with them everywhere they go.
Major Attaway (Genie) brings the larger-than-life character forward with a pizzazz and charisma that is enticing and absolutely hilarious. With his loud booming voice, sly smirk, and entertaining pop-culture references, he keeps the audience on their toes. The way that he acts as a bridge between the audience and characters, constantly breaking the fourth wall, is an extremely fun and personalized experience. He often steals the show, making audiences forget that this is actually Aladdin’s story and not the Genie’s.
Jonathan Weir (Jafar) and Reggie de Leon (Iago) create the perfect Disney-villain and-sidekick combo. They play off of each other well, ensuring that there’s a light bit ofIf you have had a stress full day or feel your body is experiencing blotting hit the gym or running in the park is a wonderful way to drive depression away humor even in the tensest parts of the production, whether from their over-dramatic exits or their evil-laugh competitions. They really are the ones that ensure that this musical is suitable for children, leaving the kids giggling even as they’re a little worried for the other characters’ wellbeing. Weir’s interactions with Jerald Vincent (Sultan) are entertaining and filled with sarcastic remarks and thinly veiled jabs. Vincent plays the Sultan with a mixed range of serious ruler and doting father. He really shows the complexities of a parent-child relationship that is heartwarming to watch.
Zach Bencal (Babkak), Ben Chavez (Omar), and Colt Prattes (Kassim) create a new trio of comrades that accompany and aid Aladdin on his mixed-up misadventure through the streets of Agrabah. The three show the trials and triumphs of a band of boys who, though not related by blood, are closer than brothers. They show the struggles of their life with a humor that leaves audiences chuckling. They bring a new element of friendship to the show (in place of Abu the monkey and the magic carpet) that adds a depth of realness to the interpersonal relationships of the show.
The performance of all of these leads, in addition to the amazing work of the ensemble, make for a show unlike any other. I have never seen an entire cast filter through so many quick changes in such a neat and flawless fashion. The dancing and overall presentation is energetic and just enjoyable to watch. This overall showmanship does at times seem to overpower the vocals/musical element of the show. It feels a bit as though the show is less a musical and more a sweeping spectacle that includes musical aspects. However, even with this slight downfall, it is a show you can get completely lost in.
Disney’s Aladdin is a thoroughly entertaining show whose overall presentation and glitz is unlike anything else. It creates a modern-day fairytale that is fun and appropriate for the entire family. With a range of times and dates, it’s easy to fit the show into your schedule, and for a Broadway production it’s reasonably priced. It truly is an absolute spectacle, so I recommend hurrying to get your tickets while they’re still available.
Broadway at the Eccles Presents Disney’s Aladdin
Eccles Theater, 131 Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Tickets: $50-125
General Info: 385-468-1010
ArtTix Phone: 801-355-ARTS (2787)
April 25-May 12, 2019, 7:30 PM
Eccles Theater Homepage
Aladdin at the Eccles Facebook Event
Disney’s Aladdin the Musical Homepage
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