Musical theatre season in Singapore is officially back in full swing. With The Phantom of the Opera (Feb 21) and Matilda The Musical (Apr 24) coming up, we’re guessing your wallet’s pretty stretched as it is. But save your pennies; the next calendar highlight is none other than Disney classic-turned-Broadway sensation Aladdin, to make its Singapore premiere at Marina Bay Sands come Jul 21.
Conceptualised in 2011 in Seattle, Aladdin The Musical had its Broadway premiere at New Amsterdam Theatre in March 2014. Since then, it’s been nominated for a bevy of awards, with wins for James Monroe Iglehart, who originated the role of the Genie. Now, the touring cast features 34 performers, starring Gareth Jacobs as the Genie, Graeme Isaako as Aladdin, and Shubshri Kandiah as Jasmine.
Expect only good things when the show opens. Adapted from the Academy Award-winning Disney film, it’s another musical masterpiece by Disney Theatrical Productions, otherwise known as the people behind the recent Lion King. The musical also takes references from folktales like “One Thousand and One Nights”, to tell the tale of a poor young man and his lamp-rubbing adventures in the fictional Arabian city of Agrabah.
The production team alone runneth over with Tony Awards—look forward to a full score by film score composer Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast), including all your favourite Aladdin songs; and choreography from Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). Onstage, it’s all about the lavish sets and dazzling costumes by an equally illustrious wardrobe team.
Playing its first and only Asian stop at the Sands Theatre, its timing couldn’t be better—you’ll likely still be riding the Aladdin high from the live-action movie adaptation scheduled for a US release this May. Tickets are already on sale here.
Aladdin The Musical will run from Jul 21 at the Sands Theatre. More information here.
