This is not your kids’ “Aladdin.”
A touring Broadway production of “Disney’s Aladdin” is at the Paramount Theatre through Sunday, April 28.
It is a lot to take in.
It’s kind of like a Radio City Music Hall spectacular with classic Las Vegas showgirls — plus a big blue genie and a sultan with a really great evil laugh.
There were lots of kids at the show we saw, and lots of “Jasmine” costumes. I kept wondering: As fans of the movie, what do they think of this?
‘Aladdin’ in Seattle: beautiful and energetic
The stage production is a beautiful spectacle. The costumes and sets are in vibrant colors, and the song-and-dance numbers are very energetic.
I was with a deep-thinking teen (and theater aficionado) who kind of scoffed at the whole thing. She acknowledged the cast’s talent and the gorgeous stage, but said that overall she just didn’t care for the show.
She noted the absence of animals from the movie “Aladdin.” Jasmine’s monkey, Apu, just wasn’t there. Jafar’s parrot, Iago, was replaced with a wisecracking, pratfalling human who was either hilarious or excessive, depending on your viewpoint.
No doubt, the Genie stole the show. He promised as much after making his rockstar-like, “Helllloooo, Seattle!” entrance, and he did not disappoint. In his case, over the top worked, we thought.
I must add, though: The crowd loved it. The enthusiasm was infectious from the opening through the standing ovation. I’ve noticed this at many performances lately. We’ve had a lot of great shows in Seattle, and also: I think people are still feeling post-pandemic euphoria.
“Aladdin,” the musical based on the 1992 animated film, opened on Broadway in 2014. The New York production is among the top 20 longest runs in Broadway history. The current North American tour has played in more than 40 cities since launching in October 2022.
The story combines centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights” for a mix of adventure, comedy and romance set to a sweeping pop score. “A Whole New World” won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1992.
‘Aladdin’ in Seattle: the details
Showtimes for “Aladdin” are a bit different than usual, so take note:
- 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
- 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday
- 8 p.m. Friday
- 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday (The afternoon show is sensory-friendly)
- 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Tickets are not very plentiful. Act fast if you want to see “Aladdin” in Seattle.
New touring shows are coming to the Paramount at a rate of about one a month, some for pretty short runs, so check the schedule and make plans early. The 2023-24 season winds down with “Girl From the North Country” (featuring the songs of Bob Dylan) and the Broadway classic “Company.” The 2024-25 season gets going in August with “Peter Pan.”‘
