articles

Mac Kid Review: Disney’s Aladdin

April 23, 2017

Aladdin, adapted from the Academy Award®-winning animated Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical. Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exotic world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance.  This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for the stage.

Disney Theatrical Productions and Broadway In Chicago announced that, due to popular demand, the eagerly-anticipated North American tour of Disney’s Aladdin will extend its stay in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph Street) through September 10, 2017. As previously announced, Adam Jacobs, who originated the title role in Aladdin on Broadway, plays the iconic role on tour. 


My Mac Kid and I were lucky enough to be in the audience last week and WOW! There aren't enough adjectives to describe this show - beautiful, funny, energetic, touching, mesmerizing - I could go on and on! I loved seeing the songs from the animated movie brought to life and the new numbers were great. The magic carpet ride in "A Whole New World" is the most amazing thing I've EVER seen on stage. It literally flies. I could see no cables, no wires, nothing. That thing is FLYING!

And speaking of flying, the audience FLEW to their feet at the end of "Friend Like Me"! This number is the definition of eye-candy with it's gorgeous gold set and numerous sparkly costume changes. And the dancing - my word! I'm amazed the cast, especially Anthony Murphy who plays the Genie, were still standing after that showstopping number. I have seen a lot of theatre in my life and I have NEVER seen a crowd leap to its feet at the end of a number the way they did after "Friend Like Me"! And it was completely deserved.

My son and I had a wonderful time at the show and he is still talking about it several days later. Grab your family and head to the theatre! You do not want to miss Aladdin!

In Chicago, tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.  A select number of Premium Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available for many performances. Group tickets for 15 or more are available by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. For a complete performance schedule for Aladdin, please visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com. ​

Disclosure: I was given 2 tickets to the show to facilitate this review, but all opinions are my own.