From start to finish, the applause kept on going and rightly so as the amazing Broadway sensation Aladdin charmed both young and old at the Sands Theatre in Marina Bay Sands during the opening night. Attended by VIPs and celebrities, all eager to enjoy one of the biggest new blockbusters in recent years, breaking 14 New Amsterdam Theatre house records as well as welcoming close to 10 million people worldwide and they were certainly not disappointed.
The principal cast features a talented pool of experienced individuals from Gareth Jacobs as Genie, Graeme Isaako as Aladdin, Shubshri Kandiah as Jasmine, Patrick R Brown as Jafar, Doron Chester as Iago, Darren Yap as the Sultan, Rob Mallett as Kassim, Troy Sussman as Babkak to Adam Di Martino as Omar who form the pillars of the 34 strong ensemble. Throughout the performances, guests were mesmerised by the 337 gorgeously elaborate costumes, which feature 1,225 different fabrics of various colours, 712 different styles of beads and almost 500,000 Swarovski crystals which sparkles like stars in the night that can even be seen from the furthest corner of the hall.
Based on the Academy Award®-winning animated film, Aladdin made its world premiere to critical acclaim at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre on March 20th, 2014. Wonderfully adapted from the Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,”, Aladdin’s takes audience to “A Whole New World” filled with much dancing, singing and of course laughter. This production features a full score, including the Academy Award winning – Best Original Song by Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle and many more. Genie, Aladdin and Jasmine wowed the crowd with their vocals. Genie also give his superb rendition of songs from Disney classics such as The Little Mermaid and Beauty & the Beast, bringing fond memories to many.
This spectacular musical sets itself apart from the rest due to the various illusions, as seen during the moving flying carpet scene and the appearing and disappearing acts by Genie and Aladdin in the legendary Cave of Wonders that are supported by 40 tonnes of exotic flying scenery and 60 tonnes of automation and staging which has been transferred to Singapore in more than 30, 40’ sea containers. No expenses are spared to bring the very best of Broadway to Singapore, sweeping audiences off their feet to a romantic adventure in the fantasy city of Agrabah.
Aladdin is now playing at Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands until September 1 to a limited season of only 50 performances. Singapore is the first and only Asian stop for this English-language production. Tickets are available from $68* and a matinee performance has been added to celebrate National Day on August 9*. Buy four or more tickets and save 10 per cent* when purchasing via Marina Bay Sands ticketing and SISTIC. Tickets are selling fast.
Disney Theatrical Productions, a division of The Walt Disney Studios, was formed in 1994 and operates under the direction of Thomas Schumacher. Worldwide, its 10 Broadway titles have been seen by nearly 200 million theatergoers and have been nominated for 60 Tony® Awards, winning Broadway’s highest honor 20 times. With more than 20 productions currently produced or licensed, a Disney musical is being performed professionally somewhere on the planet virtually every hour of the day.
Base Entertainment Asia is the largest presenter of live theatrical entertainment in the region. Based in Singapore, it is the resident developer, producer, programmer and manager of live entertainment at Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands.