You ain't never seen a show like this! When I heard 5th Avenue Theatre was taking on the much-loved and well-known animated film, Aladdin, I was skeptical. Translating animation to stage can result in either a copycat performance or a corny production. This was neither. It was fast-paced and energetic and, believe it or not, original.
While many of the songs performed were straight from the Disney version, new songs and new characters, modern slang and even puns were added, which riveted the packed house. Some of the songs and characters (including Jafar's buddies Babkak, Omar, and Kassim) originally were in the movie but were cut. Spoiler alert: There is no Abu in the play. As a matter of fact, there are no animals at all, although you will still meet a version of Iago, the parrot.
The group dance numbers were my favorite: bright, colorful, inventive. I also thought the casting of Jafar, Kassim and the Genie was genius. In fact, Jonathan Freeman, who plays Jafar, is the voice of Jafar in the movie. The energy and timing of all three actors was impeccable, which resulted in many laugh-out-loud moments. My 16-year-old niece and 16-year-old cousin loved the simple yet ingenious sets, especially during the "A Whole New World" number.
The 5th Avenue Theatre's website includes a "Parental Guidelines" section that is worth reading before you buy tickets. Children under 4 years old are not admitted, and most 5th Avenue Theatre shows are recommended for children 8 and older. In fact, this show, with a running time of 2 hours and 15 minutes, would likely be too long for the younger Disney-princess-loving set.
Simply put, this Aladdin is a must-see.
IF YOU GO
Where: 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave., Seattle.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday. Matinees, 2 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The play runs through July 31.
Cost: Tickets $38-$113.
Contact: http://www.5thavenue.org/show/aladdin1011/ or 206-625-1418.
Erika Lee Bigelow is Seattle Child’s “Going Places” editor.
