Aladdin on Broadway

[disneyboy20022]

That's a disappointment beyond compare for people (like me) who are wanting to see this show almost ENTIRELY because of Jonathan Freeman reprising his iconic role from the film

I fit into this category

[thelittleursula]

Yeah but this for Aladdin fans, not John Freeman fans.

[ProfessorRatigan]

Yeah but this for Aladdin fans, not John Freeman fans.

Oh, get over yourself. Can't one be both without having to spell it out? Obviously, I'm a fan. Why else would I be inspired to write a wall of text about my disappointment that the entire score isn't being used? But, yes, EXCUSE me for expressing enthusiasm about Jonathan Freeman and his role in the play.

[ChrisLyne]

All I'm saying is that the Aladdin, Jr. musical for kids has more songs for Jafar than the official Broadway production... That's a disappointment beyond compare for people (like me) who are wanting to see this show almost ENTIRELY because of Jonathan Freeman reprising his iconic role from the film...

Does it? I'll admit I've not seen it but looking at the song list I assumed that they split Why Me into a main song and a reprise, so Jafar had a slightly shorter Why Me, a short Why Me Reprise and Prince Ali Reprise? If so that's pretty much the same as what he had in Seattle and for Toronto/Broadway Why Me has been replaced with Diamond in the Rough so, in terms of quantity, he's not lost anything.

The thing is, as incredible as it is to have Jonathan Freeman back as Jafar (and believe me, I can't wait to see him next year!), you can't unbalance the show in his favour. They have to write the part (story beats, number of songs, etc) for Jafar, they can't give him extra just because it's Jonathan Freeman. Jonathan Freeman may stay a year, two, five, who knows, but you can bet Disney is hoping this will have a long run like Beauty and the Beast and Lion King so at some point someone else will play the role. You have to ask, would fans be reacting like this if it was Michael Hawkins or Thom Sesma in the role (who played Jafar at Tuacahn and The Muny)? Maybe I'm wrong but I'm guessing probably not. And remember, just because he's not singing doesn't mean he's not on stage or important to the story! Without knowing what changes have been made for this new production I'd say his role is, proportionally, just as big as in the film and Jonathan embodies Jafar whether he's singing or not.

The Ashman songs definitely deserve to all be included. That they aren't is pretty much my major gripe. How Quick They Forget (which should follow the Prince Ali number...) and Humiliate the Boy are nixed in favor of (to my ears) songs of inferior quality (such as Somebody's Got Your Back and A Million Miles Away). That's what irks me.

There is no reason Humiliate the Boy couldn't take place immediately BEFORE the Prince Ali Reprise. Jafar gets the lamp, unleashes the Genie, screws with Aladdin, humiliates him, then undresses him in front of Jasmine and the Sultan and sends him away (To the dungeon, I'm assuming, in the stage version? I recall a Disney On Ice type of special that aired in 1995 or thereabouts that changed the lyrics of the Prince Ali Reprise from, "His assets frozen/the venue chosen/Is the ends of the earth...WHOOPEE!" to, "And all that remains/Is him tied up in chains/For the rest of eternity!" I had this special taped as a kid and was OBSESSED with this version of the song, which, in the special, was actually performed by Jonathan Freeman! The show's cheesy as hell, but it can be seen here, around the 7 minute mark: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPigktm-SS0) in the Prince Ali Reprise. I think that'd be the best way to do it on stage and then you could include Ashman's Arabian Nights Reprise 3, "You've got rats in your cell/But you'll live with the smell/Til the dawn, when you breath your last!") following that and then High Adventure as it is in the show now, with Babkak, Omar and Kassim rescuing Aladdin.

The vast majority are. Arabian Nights is extended with pretty much all the original lyrics (still "where it's flat and immense" though), the cut verses of Prince Ali are back. The only Ashman songs from Music Behind the Magic that aren't included are Arabian Nights Reprises 2&3 (2 was in Seattle/regionals, gone now as Diamond in the Rough is in its place), How Quick They Forget and Humiliate the Boy. How Quick They Forget is an interesting one, it could easily be worked in between Prince Ali and AWNW (there was no Arabian Nights Reprise there when I saw it so I can't say what that's like) or AWNW and High Adventure. I guess it's a balancing act, some people would love all the Ashman songs added back in but some people already think they've moved too far away from the film and that Babkak, Omar and Kassim's roles are too big or they shouldn't be in it at all. Maybe the creative team felt it would be one song too many for the trio and the other songs worked better for the story they were telling? That would be my guess. The same is true of Ashman's Arabian Nights Reprise 3 as it could easily fit before Somebody's Got Your Back. In my opinion they've done a really good job of staying true to the film whilst working Howard Ashman's songs in and going back to his original "buddy movie" tone. It really is a fantastic show.

The Prince Ali Reprise line in the show is simply "the venue chosen is the end of the road". The dungeon scene comes earlier, Al's friends come to rescue him after learning he's in danger from Jafar (High Adventure) and get captured. The four of them are in the dungeon and Al's second wish is to save them (leading into Somebody's Got Your Back). Like I said, Arabian Nights 3 Reprise could easily fit but hasn't been included. I'm assuming it's so they don't over balance the show with too much Babkak, Omar and Kassim but that's just me speculating.

Just out of curiosity, have you heard all the new songs ? You say they sound inferior but then you haven't heard the show version of Prince Ali Reprise. If all you've heard is the short clip 5th Avenue posted of A Million Miles Away and the D23 concert version of Somebody's Got Your Back then I'd ask you to give them another chance either in person or at least on the cast album when it comes out. A Million Miles Away is, IMO, a beautiful song and Somebody's Got Your Back is a lot of fun.

Oh and I just want to say a massive thank you for that video! I love Disney on Ice but never got to see Aladdin so you just made my day!!

Put Why Me? back where it was in the Seattle show and you've pleased all the Jonathan Freeman fans. And before you say, "But, that'll slow the show down!" so does having the One Jump Ahead Reprise still in place even though they've reinstated Proud of Your Boy. I don't see a difference. Besides, Why Me? gives us some actual insight into Jafar beyond just "I'm evil--mwa! Ha! Ha!" Cut the new songs, give us the ones we fans have known about (and dreamed of hearing fully orchestrated!) for years and then you'll please both the original fans of the movie and the hardcore Ashman fanatics who prefer the original score. Win-win.

Just want to clarify I never said Why Me slowed the show down and I certainly didn't intend to imply that, so really sorry if I did What I was trying to say was I assumed it was removed as the creative team may have felt it didn't move the story forward as well as the replacement song does (completely an assumption on my part - I do know that Tuacahn, and I'd assume The Muny, did an online survey of people asking for their opinions of the show to help Disney further develop it, so maybe it was partially based on audience feedback?).

Being honest, if One Jump Ahead Reprise wasn't a film song I don't think it would be in. It's VERY rare for the films songs to be cut from the stage verison (Court of Miracles is the only one that comes to mind and who knows if that'll still be the case when it finally gets released in English). It's now a lead in to Proud of Your Boy and works very well that way. If Humiliate the Boy was shorter they could probably do the same, but Prince Ali Reprise is a song in its own right (it's easily the longest reprise in the show), they both cover the same ground, there's no way they'd cut Prince Ali Reprise and 2 songs there would probably be too much. To be fair this choice was made back when they were making the film. Proud of Your Boy was removed in order to protect it rather than change it to fit the new story, Humiliate the Boy was replaced as they felt Prince Ali Reprise worked better than a completely new song at that point.

Why Me is a great song and, like you said, is a nice character piece for Jafar. Maybe Diamond in the Rough will be as well? We'll have to wait and see.

I hope I'm not coming across as argumentative as I truly don't intend to be. Like I've said before, I was lucky enough to see an earlier version of the show last year and loved it. It was fast paced, funny, a joy from start to finish. If you want to know anything about it just ask and I'll answer as best as I can remember!

[ProfessorRatigan]

Just out of curiosity, have you heard all the new songs ? You say they sound inferior but then you haven't heard the show version of Prince Ali Reprise. If all you've heard is the short clip 5th Avenue posted of A Million Miles Away and the D23 concert version of Somebody's Got Your Back then I'd ask you to give them another chance either in person or at least on the cast album when it comes out. A Million Miles Away is, IMO, a beautiful song and Somebody's Got Your Back is a lot of fun.

Yes, I've listened to all the new songs (at least as they were at the time of the Seattle production). Someone posted them on Youtube, actually. The Prince Ali Reprise was one I just happened to overlook. It's been months, it slipped my mind. I assumed it ended differently. (It's squeezed in between a quasi reprise of High Adventure, if I recall correctly, isn't it?)

Oh and I just want to say a massive thank you for that video! I love Disney on Ice but never got to see Aladdin so you just made my day!!

You're welcome!

Being honest, if One Jump Ahead Reprise wasn't a film song I don't think it would be in. It's VERY rare for the films songs to be cut from the stage verison (Court of Miracles is the only one that comes to mind and who knows if that'll still be the case when it finally gets released in English). It's now a lead in to Proud of Your Boy and works very well that way. If Humiliate the Boy was shorter they could probably do the same, but Prince Ali Reprise is a song in its own right (it's easily the longest reprise in the show), they both cover the same ground, there's no way they'd cut Prince Ali Reprise and 2 songs there would probably be too much. To be fair this choice was made back when they were making the film. Proud of Your Boy was removed in order to protect it rather than change it to fit the new story, Humiliate the Boy was replaced as they felt Prince Ali Reprise worked better than a completely new song at that point.

Why Me is a great song and, like you said, is a nice character piece for Jafar. Maybe Diamond in the Rough will be as well? We'll have to wait and see.

I believe that Court of Miracles WILL be put back into Hunchback, but I'm not sure. A high school in Florida did the first stateside production of the stage-show and it had Court of Miracles in it. That can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... yLZURia7go I'm a MASSIVE Hunchback fan (it's actually my favorite Disney film) so, yeah, I try to keep on top of news regarding its stage show, too.

I really hope Diamond in the Rough is on par with Why Me?, but I really fear for the worst. I just haven't been a fan of the newer songs (for the most part.)

I hope I'm not coming across as argumentative as I truly don't intend to be. Like I've said before, I was lucky enough to see an earlier version of the show last year and loved it. It was fast paced, funny, a joy from start to finish. If you want to know anything about it just ask and I'll answer as best as I can remember!

I hope I'm not, either. I've been a bit hyperbolic, I admit, but that's just the massive Jafar fan/Ashman defender in me.

[rubyslippers]

I saw the show this week! In a word? Wonderful. Energetic, fun, and sometimes even breathtaking. There are a few tweaks here and there that I think would help the show's pacing but as it is, it was a great night at the theater.

The song list (as of 11/12) was:

Arabian Nights (Babkak, Omar, Kassim, Company
One Jump Ahead (Aladdin, Crowd)
Proud of Your Boy (Aladdin) (*The One Jump Ahead reprise leads into Proud of Your Boy, but isn't listed)
Arabian Nights (Reprise)
Call Me A Princess (Reprise)
Call Me A Princess (Reprise)
Babkak, Omar, Aladdin Kassim (Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim)
A Million Miles Away (Aladdin, Jasmine)
Diamond in the Rough (Jafar, Iago, Aladdin)
Friend Like Me (Genie, Company)
Arabian Nights (Reprise II) (Babkak, Omar, Kassim)
Act One Finale: Friend Like Me/Proud of Your Boy Reprise (Genie, Aladdin

ACT 2

Prince Ali (Babkak, Omar, Kassim, Genie, Company)
Arabian Nights Reprise III (Babkak, Omar, Kassim)
A Whole New World (Aladdin, Jasmine)
High Adventure (Babkak, Omar, Kassim)
Somebody's Got Your Back (Aladdin, Genie, Babkak, Omar, Kassim)
Proud of Your Boy Reprise II (Aladdin)
Prince Ali Reprise (Sultan, Jafar)
Genie's Exit/Somebody's Got Your Back reprise (Genie)
Finale Ultimo: Arabian Nights Reprirse IV/A Whole New World Reprise (Company)

--

My thoughts:

I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy the inclusion of Babkak, Omar and Kassim but the trio are very fun and add a great "buddy" dynamic to the story. High Adventure was an absolute highlight of the show--energetic, great choreography, and let the actors really show off their vocal chops! Their narrative Arabian Nights reprises were pretty decent, though they're mostly being used to fill time during scene changes. (Which the show cleverly nods at. I think it was the last or second to last reprise where one of the trio says something like "Let's get to singing, there's a scene change in the works!")

Having seen the show, Iago would not work if he was a bird puppet. It just doesn't fit with the tone and style of this production. Don Darryl Rivera, who plays Iago, is fantastic--he steals the show during "Diamond in the Rough," which was written new for this production. I'm still not sure where I stand on Jafar needing more songs than Diamond in the Rough and the Prince Ali Reprise. I do think the show needs more Jafar, although not necessarily a full song... as it stands, he just didn't feel like enough of a threat. For example, the climax didn't have a lot of impact because of how fast it was. I think even just 3-5 minutes more, either in the finale or throughout the show, to really represent Jafar as a threat to the heroes would really help the show. Personally, I think if the Prince Ali Reprise wasn't in the film, "Why Me" would be perfect for this spot--it would give Jafar some more characterization without stopping the story. But I doubt that they will remove a song from the movie and replace it.

The best number in the show was Friend Like Me. It's never been a favorite of mine, but wow, wow, wow. James Monroe Iglehart has an incredible presence as the Genie and "Friend Like Me" showcased that full stop. The song is much longer than in the film and features 'magic tricks,' plenty of ensemble costume changes, tapdancing, and even a hilarious (and darn well sung) Disney song medley. He had the audience laughing and cheering practically anytime he was on stage. And his heartbreak at Aladdin breaking his promise was truly sad--Iglehart'scharisma and the additional stage time Genie got made me care even more for the character.

Which brings me to the one song in the show that I think fell flat: Prince Ali, which was the Act II opener. It's hard to follow Friend Like Me, which was such a huge showstopper, but it was very underwhelming. With Prince Ali, they went for a sort of Vegas strip style parade--Genie it wearing a zoot suit and the parade performers are dolled up in Vegas-style parade outfits. There was a cute moment, during "he's got 95 white persian monkeys," where two ensemble members bring out signs--one says "95" and the second is a picture of Abu. But it just felt too small and it relied too much on the dancers--who were, however, wonderful. But I think adding something that would make it feel more parade like would be better. Maybe parade puppets, like those usually seen in Chinese parades?

My favorite part of the show, aside from Friend Like Me, was A Whole New World. I've watched videos of the theme park show and the Disney cruise version of the show, in addition to seeing photos from some of the other Aladdin productions. I think this production's A Whole New World is the most stunning of all. It is absolutely gorgeous and I'm not ashamed to say I cried a little during the song--it was just too darn magical to hold back. The carpet moves all around the stage, surrounded by a dark, star-lit night sky, which is occasionally lit by fireflies, planets, etc. The new arrangement gives it this wonderful intimate feeling... i didn't care for the new arrangement when I heard it in a video, but in person it works well. It really is a breathtaking number and I hope they work out the kinks that they've apparently been having with the carpet. Nothing went wrong on my night, but I've read that they needed to take 'intermissions' at least twice so far to fix something before or during the scene.

My guess is that the Finale Ultimo might be trimmed (another song with just too many dance numbers, IMO) and that the climax might be tweaked. All of the additions, in my opinion, worked. The 'concept' songs were great--Call Me a Princess is hysterical, and Courtney Reed really sold her screeching princess act. The new songs ranged from fine to beautiful. My favorite was A Million Miles Away, which (although not a showstopper) really highlighted the chemistry between Courtney Reed and Adam Jacobs.

Overall, it was a great show. It built upon the original Aladdin film to create a unique, funny, and heartfelt show.

I wish I lived closer to Toronto, because I'd love to see the production multiple times! It will be interesting to see where they take the show before it gets to Broadway.

[disneyboy20022]

When did that Aladdin on Ice Show Happen?

EDIT I just saw it was in 1996.

I remember actually going to see this exact show when I was 9 years old. I think it was specifically Aladdin On Ice and not their jumble a whole bunch of movies in one show type of thing. I actually remember buying Aladdin's red hat at the souvenir stand. I just realized that this happened 17 years ago....

If Aladdin the Musical makes its what to the Saint Louis area, I'll consider seeing it depending on the timing of things in my life

[ChrisLyne]

Yes, I've listened to all the new songs (at least as they were at the time of the Seattle production). Someone posted them on Youtube, actually. The Prince Ali Reprise was one I just happened to overlook. It's been months, it slipped my mind. I assumed it ended differently. (It's squeezed in between a quasi reprise of High Adventure, if I recall correctly, isn't it?)

I was going to say you could find them if you looked hard enough I'm surprised Disney hasn't had them taken down yet, they were very aggressive in getting any leaked video/audio from The Little Mermaid's previews taken down before the show reached Brodway. That's right, but that reprise has been cut now.

I believe that Court of Miracles WILL be put back into Hunchback, but I'm not sure. A high school in Florida did the first stateside production of the stage-show and it had Court of Miracles in it. That can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... yLZURia7go I'm a MASSIVE Hunchback fan (it's actually my favorite Disney film) so, yeah, I try to keep on top of news regarding its stage show, too.

I really hope Diamond in the Rough is on par with Why Me?, but I really fear for the worst. I just haven't been a fan of the newer songs (for the most part.)

I love Hunchback as well. Aladdin will always be my favourite (has been since I was a kid, some things just stick I guess) but I think, done right, Hunchback could be Disney's Les Mis.

I've seen the finale of that school version (I love Finale Ultimo so it was the first bit I looked for), I always thought it was done without Disney's permission (never saw that intro video before). Vocally amazing, especially for a school production, but some of the direction killed it for me. I don't think Esmeralda has to die (I think it's more powerful when she does) or Quasi has to deliberately kill Frollo, but when Frollo just dropped his sword and walked off and Clopin started flying whilst singing Bells of Notre Dame it took me out of it (and I get tears in my eyes just listening to it in German, when I saw the subbed YouTube video I cried my eyes out).

I hope I'm not, either. I've been a bit hyperbolic, I admit, but that's just the massive Jafar fan/Ashman defender in me.

Not at all, we're all fans here

I saw the show this week! In a word? Wonderful. Energetic, fun, and sometimes even breathtaking. There are a few tweaks here and there that I think would help the show's pacing but as it is, it was a great night at the theater.

The song list (as of 11/12) was:

Arabian Nights (Babkak, Omar, Kassim, Company
One Jump Ahead (Aladdin, Crowd)
Proud of Your Boy (Aladdin) (*The One Jump Ahead reprise leads into Proud of Your Boy, but isn't listed)
Arabian Nights (Reprise)
Call Me A Princess (Reprise)
Call Me A Princess (Reprise)
Babkak, Omar, Aladdin Kassim (Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim)
A Million Miles Away (Aladdin, Jasmine)
Diamond in the Rough (Jafar, Iago, Aladdin)
Friend Like Me (Genie, Company)
Arabian Nights (Reprise II) (Babkak, Omar, Kassim)
Act One Finale: Friend Like Me/Proud of Your Boy Reprise (Genie, Aladdin

ACT 2

Prince Ali (Babkak, Omar, Kassim, Genie, Company)
Arabian Nights Reprise III (Babkak, Omar, Kassim)
A Whole New World (Aladdin, Jasmine)
High Adventure (Babkak, Omar, Kassim)
Somebody's Got Your Back (Aladdin, Genie, Babkak, Omar, Kassim)
Proud of Your Boy Reprise II (Aladdin)
Prince Ali Reprise (Sultan, Jafar)
Genie's Exit/Somebody's Got Your Back reprise (Genie)
Finale Ultimo: Arabian Nights Reprirse IV/A Whole New World Reprise (Company)

--

My thoughts:

I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy the inclusion of Babkak, Omar and Kassim but the trio are very fun and add a great "buddy" dynamic to the story. High Adventure was an absolute highlight of the show--energetic, great choreography, and let the actors really show off their vocal chops! Their narrative Arabian Nights reprises were pretty decent, though they're mostly being used to fill time during scene changes. (Which the show cleverly nods at. I think it was the last or second to last reprise where one of the trio says something like "Let's get to singing, there's a scene change in the works!")

Having seen the show, Iago would not work if he was a bird puppet. It just doesn't fit with the tone and style of this production. Don Darryl Rivera, who plays Iago, is fantastic--he steals the show during "Diamond in the Rough," which was written new for this production. I'm still not sure where I stand on Jafar needing more songs than Diamond in the Rough and the Prince Ali Reprise. I do think the show needs more Jafar, although not necessarily a full song... as it stands, he just didn't feel like enough of a threat. For example, the climax didn't have a lot of impact because of how fast it was. I think even just 3-5 minutes more, either in the finale or throughout the show, to really represent Jafar as a threat to the heroes would really help the show. Personally, I think if the Prince Ali Reprise wasn't in the film, "Why Me" would be perfect for this spot--it would give Jafar some more characterization without stopping the story. But I doubt that they will remove a song from the movie and replace it.

The best number in the show was Friend Like Me. It's never been a favorite of mine, but wow, wow, wow. James Monroe Iglehart has an incredible presence as the Genie and "Friend Like Me" showcased that full stop. The song is much longer than in the film and features 'magic tricks,' plenty of ensemble costume changes, tapdancing, and even a hilarious (and darn well sung) Disney song medley. He had the audience laughing and cheering practically anytime he was on stage. And his heartbreak at Aladdin breaking his promise was truly sad--Iglehart'scharisma and the additional stage time Genie got made me care even more for the character.

Which brings me to the one song in the show that I think fell flat: Prince Ali, which was the Act II opener. It's hard to follow Friend Like Me, which was such a huge showstopper, but it was very underwhelming. With Prince Ali, they went for a sort of Vegas strip style parade--Genie it wearing a zoot suit and the parade performers are dolled up in Vegas-style parade outfits. There was a cute moment, during "he's got 95 white persian monkeys," where two ensemble members bring out signs--one says "95" and the second is a picture of Abu. But it just felt too small and it relied too much on the dancers--who were, however, wonderful. But I think adding something that would make it feel more parade like would be better. Maybe parade puppets, like those usually seen in Chinese parades?

My favorite part of the show, aside from Friend Like Me, was A Whole New World. I've watched videos of the theme park show and the Disney cruise version of the show, in addition to seeing photos from some of the other Aladdin productions. I think this production's A Whole New World is the most stunning of all. It is absolutely gorgeous and I'm not ashamed to say I cried a little during the song--it was just too darn magical to hold back. The carpet moves all around the stage, surrounded by a dark, star-lit night sky, which is occasionally lit by fireflies, planets, etc. The new arrangement gives it this wonderful intimate feeling... i didn't care for the new arrangement when I heard it in a video, but in person it works well. It really is a breathtaking number and I hope they work out the kinks that they've apparently been having with the carpet. Nothing went wrong on my night, but I've read that they needed to take 'intermissions' at least twice so far to fix something before or during the scene.

My guess is that the Finale Ultimo might be trimmed (another song with just too many dance numbers, IMO) and that the climax might be tweaked. All of the additions, in my opinion, worked. The 'concept' songs were great--Call Me a Princess is hysterical, and Courtney Reed really sold her screeching princess act. The new songs ranged from fine to beautiful. My favorite was A Million Miles Away, which (although not a showstopper) really highlighted the chemistry between Courtney Reed and Adam Jacobs.

Overall, it was a great show. It built upon the original Aladdin film to create a unique, funny, and heartfelt show.

I wish I lived closer to Toronto, because I'd love to see the production multiple times! It will be interesting to see where they take the show before it gets to Broadway.

So happy to hear this! I remember JMI was always said to be the standout in the Seattle reviews, this is the second Toronto review I've read and the second time DDR has been said to be fantastic. I guess Diamond in the Rough has really given him a chance to shine!

Love the sound of that Abu gag! Does Genie still pull Mickey Mouse out of his hat in Friend Like Me? Sorry to hear you feel Prince Ali falls flat. Tuacahn had the advantage of being an outdoor stage so they had horses parading in the background, live peacocks in cages, fireworks, it was amazing.

I do hope they get the carpet working flawlessly. AWNW was one thing that really divided reviewers in Seattle and it sounds like they've really fixed it for this new production.

[Widdi]

Oh I so wish this was playing in Toronto for longer. I will be in the city in June of next year and would absolutely love to see it. I saw The Lion King at the Princess of Wales Theatre years ago, and it would be awesome to see another Disney production in Toronto. I am planning a trip to NYC in a couple years, but who knows what will be on Broadway then.

[thelittleursula]

Oh, get over yourself.

Rude, most disrespectful thing I've ever heard on these forums. All I said that it was ALADDIN'S movie, Aladdin is the main character of the movie, it's Aladdin's story, Aladdin's adventure, Aladdin's friends, Jafar played by John Freeman is ALADDIN's rivial.

Don't like it, tough.

It's like a Lion King fan heading to the classic Broadway Show and moaning that Scar doesn't get enough screentime or song.

Grow. Up.

You can't always get want you want.

[Disney's Divinity]

Like it or not, the villain plays an equal (if not greater) role in the success of most Disney stories. They deserve their fair share of screentime.

And, btw, your first response was childish itself and got the response it deserved. Glass houses, stones, and all that.

[Lady Cluck]

After rewatching Aladdin recently, I'm not that upset about the musical being a piece of crap anymore. It doesn't hold up as well as I thought it would as an adult.

I like the characters, story, songs, setting, etc, but not the sum of its parts so much. Something just doesn't click. It's just a little too...kitschy. Everything feels kind of artificial? And too many pop culture references which I loved as a kid kind of take you out of it. That kind of humor doesn't have a long shelf life. Abu was much funnier than I remembered, however.

But I still love it, just not as much as I thought.

[disneyboy20022]

Rude, most disrespectful thing I've ever heard on these forums.

I've seen much worse.

Does Scar get more songs or screen time than Jafar (in terms of the Broadway shows are concerned)

As stated, the villain in every story is sometimes even more important than the hero. Without the villain, there is no hero and visa versa. I do wish Jafar would get more songs, but I'm not going to judge it as I haven't seen it yet. I hope to see it when it comes to the Saint Louis or Chicago Area at some point in time.

[rubyslippers]

So happy to hear this! I remember JMI was always said to be the standout in the Seattle reviews, this is the second Toronto review I've read and the second time DDR has been said to be fantastic. I guess Diamond in the Rough has really given him a chance to shine!

Love the sound of that Abu gag! Does Genie still pull Mickey Mouse out of his hat in Friend Like Me? Sorry to hear you feel Prince Ali falls flat. Tuacahn had the advantage of being an outdoor stage so they had horses parading in the background, live peacocks in cages, fireworks, it was amazing.

I do hope they get the carpet working flawlessly. AWNW was one thing that really divided reviewers in Seattle and it sounds like they've really fixed it for this new production.

Yes, he still pulls Mickey out of a hat! I liked the little (or, as in the case of the medley in FLM, not so little!) Disney references here and there. I can see what they were going for with Prince Ali in the Toronto production (Genie as a 1940s-style Vegas showmaster) but I feel like if you more or less end Act I with Friend Like Me, which was a fantastic crowd pleaser with multiple big dance numbers and costumes changes and "magic" and pyrotechnics, then Act II's opener should at least try to come close to that level of energy... especially for Prince Ali! As of right now, it really doesn't feel like a parade.

If they can get the carpet working perfectly, AWNW will most likely be what most people walk away talking about, along with Friend Like Me/Genie in general. When I saw the show, the theater applauded once the full effect was revealed. It was easily the most beautiful staging I've seen in a theater production.

[ProfessorRatigan]

I do think the show needs more Jafar, although not necessarily a full song... as it stands, he just didn't feel like enough of a threat. For example, the climax didn't have a lot of impact because of how fast it was. I think even just 3-5 minutes more, either in the finale or throughout the show, to really represent Jafar as a threat to the heroes would really help the show.

Yeah, I feared as much having listened to how quickly Jafar was 'beaten' in the Seattle production. (Pretty much DIRECTLY after the Prince Ali Reprise. No snake Jafar or taking over Agrabah, just, 'I'm the most powerful being in the world!' 'Aren't you forgetting the Genie?' 'You're right! I wish I were a Genie! Ha! Ha! Oh, wait...noooooo!' That's it.) That's why I was hoping so hard for Humiliate the Boy being included... It would at least give Jafar a chance to be cruel and evil before his inevitably short defeat. (Let's face it, a Giant Cobra Battle isn't exactly feasible on stage...) If you haven't seen (or heard, rather) Humiliate the Boy, check it out. It's so nasty and yet so bouncy and fun! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9vXZncjGvk

I've seen the finale of that school version (I love Finale Ultimo so it was the first bit I looked for), I always thought it was done without Disney's permission (never saw that intro video before). Vocally amazing, especially for a school production, but some of the direction killed it for me. I don't think Esmeralda has to die (I think it's more powerful when she does) or Quasi has to deliberately kill Frollo, but when Frollo just dropped his sword and walked off and Clopin started flying whilst singing Bells of Notre Dame it took me out of it (and I get tears in my eyes just listening to it in German, when I saw the subbed YouTube video I cried my eyes out).

I haven't actually gotten around to watching the other videos of that production. To be honest, I didn't even know they'd been put up until I went back to that intro video! I'll have to check that out!

Oh, get over yourself.

Rude, most disrespectful thing I've ever heard on these forums. All I said that it was ALADDIN'S movie, Aladdin is the main character of the movie, it's Aladdin's story, Aladdin's adventure, Aladdin's friends, Jafar played by John Freeman is ALADDIN's rivial.

Don't like it, tough.

It's like a Lion King fan heading to the classic Broadway Show and moaning that Scar doesn't get enough screentime or song.

Grow. Up.

You can't always get want you want.

Oh, please. You must have very thin-skin indeed if that's the rudest thing you've ever heard here... Your snappy, condescending tone in your reply to me was disrespectful. I responded tit-for-tat. That's all there is to it.

And besides, Scar's role in the Broadway show was EXPANDED from the film, including a whole added sub-plot involving him trying to marry Nala (through a great new number, The Madness of King Scar, which, in addition to setting up that plot point, also included his paranoia over Mufasa 'haunting' him...) AND he got a Reprise of Be Prepared! So, this comparison is stupid. Besides, Jafar ALREADY has 2 other songs that were rearing to go, both by respected lyricists...Howard Ashman (Humiliate the Boy) and Tim Rice (Why Me?). The Madness of King Scar (or at least an early version of what it became) was originally supposed to be PART of The Lion King the film. Just like these two Jafar songs were supposed to be part of the film for Aladdin. I'm simply lamenting the fact that they chose not to do that here.

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Like it or not, the villain plays an equal (if not greater) role in the success of most Disney stories. They deserve their fair share of screentime.

Thank you! Without the villain, there is no plot. Especially considering that, in the film, it is Jafar who sets the ENTIRE story in motion. His role is pivotal to this story.

After rewatching Aladdin recently, I'm not that upset about the musical being a piece of crap anymore. It doesn't hold up as well as I thought it would as an adult.

While I agree that the film has aged a bit less favorably than Mermaid or Beauty have, there's no way to know that the musical is going to be a 'piece of crap' until we see the final product. I certainly don't want to give the impression that I think it is or that I hope it will be. I truly don't. I'm really excited about seeing the finished product, actually. I just haven't been too impressed with the newer songs that I've listened to.

[rubyslippers]

It sounds like they didn't change the climax that much from the Seattle production. The climax, out of anything in the show, is the thing that needs the most tweaking.

I think the crux of the problem is that Jafar needs to be more threatening. His first wish is for Jasmine to be his prisoner, instead of being a powerful sorcerer. (He also has had the guards capture Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, but no wishes necessary since they were escaped prisoners at this point.) He then sings the Prince Ali Reprise. His second wish is to become Sultan. And then, a few moments later, his final wish is to become a Genie.

I think that if they want to keep his first wish being Jasmine taken prisoner, then they should draw out the Sultan wish 2-3 minutes more. Maybe have Jafar order the royal guards to take Jasmine's father prisoner or order everyone to bow down before him or something to really hammer in the fact that the wish has worked, he is now the real Sultan. And then go for the Genie wish.

[ProfessorRatigan]

My ideal version would have Aladdin, after obtaining the lamp, treating his friends like a jerk (hey, he's a 'prince' now, what does he need street rat friends for now that he's got fame and wealth?), they sing How Quick They Forget (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbOE9AW771o) and Aladdin goes to woo Jasmine (A Whole New World...) Everything plays out just as in the film after that, leading to Jafar in his dungeon, having stolen the lamp, watching the engagement ceremony below (just as in the film.) He rubs the Lamp and wishes to be a Sorcerer. He then, using his new found sorcery, humiliates Aladdin below and shakes up the kingdom. After Humiliate the Boy wraps up, the Sultan gets back up, gives a sort of, Well, THAT was odd... response to the events that just happened and asks if Aladdin's okay. Jafar pops up, uses the Genie to wish to become Sultan and then orders everyone to bow before him and then sings the Prince Ali Reprise. He takes Jasmine prisoner and has Aladdin dragged to the dungeon to be executed at dawn. We get Aladdin in the dungeon by himself (and the original Arabian Nights Reprise 3) he realizes what a jerk he was to his friends and laments that he treated them like dirt and didn't free the Genie when he had the chance. Babkak, Omar and Kassim find out their buddy is in trouble and put aside their grudge to save him, sing High Adventure while they do so, and then Aladdin and his friends confront Jafar in the throne room. THEN Aladdin tricks him into wishing to be a Genie. Boom, you've got a significantly more exciting climax.

Having Jafar take Jasmine prisoner so EARLY doesn't really work that well.

[Prince Edward]

My ideal version would have Aladdin, after obtaining the lamp, treating his friends like a jerk (hey, he's a 'prince' now, what does he need street rat friends for now that he's got fame and wealth?), they sing How Quick They Forget (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbOE9AW771o) and Aladdin goes to woo Jasmine (A Whole New World...) Everything plays out just as in the film after that, leading to Jafar in his dungeon, having stolen the lamp, watching the engagement ceremony below (just as in the film.) He rubs the Lamp and wishes to be a Sorcerer. He then, using his new found sorcery, humiliates Aladdin below and shakes up the kingdom. After Humiliate the Boy wraps up, the Sultan gets back up, gives a sort of, Well, THAT was odd... response to the events that just happened and asks if Aladdin's okay. Jafar pops up, uses the Genie to wish to become Sultan and then orders everyone to bow before him and then sings the Prince Ali Reprise. He takes Jasmine prisoner and has Aladdin dragged to the dungeon to be executed at dawn. We get Aladdin in the dungeon by himself (and the original Arabian Nights Reprise 3) he realizes what a jerk he was to his friends and laments that he treated them like dirt and didn't free the Genie when he had the chance. Babkak, Omar and Kassim find out their buddy is in trouble and put aside their grudge to save him, sing High Adventure while they do so, and then Aladdin and his friends confront Jafar in the throne room. THEN Aladdin tricks him into wishing to be a Genie. Boom, you've got a significantly more exciting climax.

Having Jafar take Jasmine prisoner so EARLY doesn't really work that well.

Great suggestions. You should have written the book for this musical!;) The climax felt a bit rushed and forced in the Broadway production of The Little Mermaid as well, in my opininon. Disney Theatrical and Alan Menken should have learned from that production.

[thelittleursula]

Like it or not, the villain plays an equal (if not greater) role in the success of most Disney stories. They deserve their fair share of screentime.

Yes but what ? Extra songs is silly when most Disney Villains sing at least one each movie, sometimes none at all. Like his singing fine, but this it's not Jafar's movie. It's Aladdin.

And, btw, your first response was childish itself and got the response it deserved. Glass houses, stones, and all that.

I didn't ask for your opinion.

[thelittleursula]

Your snappy, condescending tone in your reply to me was disrespectful

So you can hear what I can type ? What magical powers you have, and can I have them ?

I responded tit-for-tat. That's all there is to it.

LOL no.

You got all bity emotional because I mentioned that this is Aladdin's movie and not Jafar's. You must be really sensitive yourself if you can't handle that.

You bit at me all because I said that this Jafar singing less song complaining is stupid because it's not even his movie. You saying that it was snappy and whatever proves how sensitive you were towards it and how much you dislike it when somebody disagrees with your opinion.

And besides, Scar's role in the Broadway show was EXPANDED from the film, including a whole added sub-plot involving him trying to marry Nala (through a great new number, The Madness of King Scar, which, in addition to setting up that plot point, also included his paranoia over Mufasa 'haunting' him...) AND he got a Reprise of Be Prepared!

Scar is a popular character though, Jafar is close but not even. So keep dreaming. There's no way they would increase his songs and showtime unless his character got a bigger and larger fanbase like Scars.

So, this comparison is stupid.

You know what's REALLY stupid ? This. Why ? Because I've already mentioned that I was upset about Why Me ? Not being included before on the forums. I just believe that this " They Removed His Songs So It Sucks " attitude is really dumb, when Jafar isn't even the lead, and this is sounding like a good show and deserves a chance and shouldn't be tossed aside just because a Forum Favorite got the short end of the stick.

Edit- I actually said that this is for Aladdin fans, not John Freeman fans, but my point still stands.

Also this is like the second time you've like attacked me for my opinion ProfessorRatigan. So please leave me alone.

Nobody remembered Frollo or HOND until NC gave it some attention and then everybody was like " Omg Frollo " ! Before that Frollo and HOND was pretty much ignored or forgotten. :/

I'm sorry, but that is COMPLETE bullshit. The film has ALWAYS had its fans and its champions. And it's ALWAYS been popular among a certain segment of the population who grew up with it. The reason it's suddenly talked about is, quite simply, because we who saw it as kids and have been fans of it ever since grew up and now TALK about it online and through social media. Promote it, encourage discussion. Doug Walker gets way too much fucking credit. Just because he says something, doesn't make it gospel truth and doesn't mean people, LOTS OF PEOPLE, weren't saying it before him.

I live in rural Arkansas. I graduated high school in 2009. In my freshmen and sophomore years, ALL of my friends and acquaintances had heard of it, had seen it and loved it just as much as I did. We talked about it, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and, yes, The Lion King ad nauseam. Doug Walker did most certainly NOT foment every shred of appreciation for this film and it is insulting to fans like me, who have fought for this film since day one, to suggest that that is the case.

I view it as akin to Alice in Wonderland and Fantasia. Both were written-off when they first came out. Both were 'forgotten.' But the people who loved them kept them alive, kept championing them and, eventually, the general public came to a consensus that they were masterpieces. Hunchback is, in my opinion, on a similar path. It has its detractors, but its popularity and appreciation are only going to grow from here on out. Doug Walker MIGHT have a small bit to do with that, but he does NOT deserve all the credit.

And, yes, Frollo has ALWAYS been the most talked up bit of the film, since 1996. http://articles.philly.com/1996-06-16/e ... ale-frollo Your argument is invalid.

As for Broadway shows, I agree completely with Disney's Divinity. The Lion King IS the best Broadway show. You have to be fair and admit that, while The Lion King, as a film, is quite overwrought, flawed and vastly overrated, the stage version DID improve upon its source material, fixing big problems and making a real spectacle at the same time. The added songs were BETTER than the original score. The Madness of King Scar, Shadowland and They Live In You were both 100 times better than anything in the actual film. Beauty and the Beast, while a superior film, had an awful stage show. The Ashman/Menken songs are, still, amazing. But they couldn't save the show from those turgid Tim Rice diddies that actively RUINED some of the most beautiful moments of the film. I watched the stage show for the first time and it got to the scene where Beast lets Belle go, one of the most beautiful and somber moments in the film. A very quiet scene. "I let her go," the Beast says. "Why!?" "...Because I love her." Chilling in how simple and how effective it is. What do we get in the stage version? "If I Can't Love Her!" This big, stupid, clunky, moapy ridiculous song that saps ALL the emotion out of the scene like a vacuum and has the audience checking their watch. When the Beast DIES they PUT AN AWFUL FUCKING SONG THERE as if beating us over the head with how 'sad' we're supposed to feel! I was angry. ANGRY watching it. It completely destroyed EVERYTHING that was beautiful about that moment. So, yeah. Beauty and the Beast's stage show kind of sucked balls, actually. And don't get me fucking started on The Little Mermaid...

So leave me alone Prof Ratigan okay ? Just leave me alone.