Aladdin

[smallhobbit]

The Daughter and I had arranged to spend the weekend in London, as we were going to the theatre on the Saturday as her birthday present.  This left the Friday evening free, so she suggested she take me to see something for my birthday.  There was nothing I particularly wanted to see, so TD suggested we go to see Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre.

This is the version that was first performed on Broadway, and is based on the Disney film.  At first I wasn't particularly taken - the set and the colours were great, the action less so.  And Aladdin reminded me of Granville in Open All Hours, which made it very hard for me to take him seriously.  But slowly the magic started to work, and the tap dance number which reminded me of 42nd Street pulled me in.  (I was impressed with myself when I read in the programme that they had based the routine on that musical.)

Then after the interval I really got into the performance.  Part way through streamers fell from the theatre ceiling, so I collected some up and brought them home in my coat pocket.  Aladdin's three friends, Babkak, Kassim and Omar, came into their own, rather than being just sidekicks.  Aladdin grew up and took responsibility for his actions - one of the songs in the production which was cut from the Disney film was 'Proud of your Boy' and by placing importance on that the musical had perhaps more depth.

So by the end of the evening I was really enjoying myself and delighted to have seen it.  I now have an Aladdin latte mug (present from TD), whilst she has a fleece blanket in the style of a magic carpet.

Comments

[margaret_r]

That sounds like a lot of fun and I'm glad you enjoyed it:) It's coming here next year and I might consider going.

[smallhobbit]

It's good and I think you'd find your grandchildren enjoyed it too. Definitely not a traditional pantomime, but a Disney-based musical.

[ellieet]

Thanks for this review! I was wondering what the show was like and have been debating over whether going to see it. It felt like it was trying to live up to the Lion King and yet failing dismally; however, I always remember feeling a bit wary of Aladdin as a character, even as a child; rooting for him as a hero but found him a little predatory concerning his attempts to get close to Jasmine - that and the fact that I found boys rather confusing in general. But if Aladdin grows up, then fabulous! I must add it to the list.

I was actually due to go and see the Lion King last week as a little treat for myself - I'm on the edge of London now and would love to go and see more theatre productions. I started with the Lion King as the last time I saw it onstage was when I was about 12. Unfortunately on the day, I got a terrible cold and they kindly refunded the ticket when I explained the situation. I watched the film over the weekend with my niece instead and got all emotional at the opening! :D

[smallhobbit]

I've not seen the Lion King, but I don't think it would live up to that standard, but for an entertainging evening I'd say to go. I think it helps that Jasmine is not the sort of girl to be messed with, and Aladdin does seem a much more likeable character by the end.

I'm sorry you weren't feeling good at the weekend, hopefully you will get to see many productions over the coming months.

[adafrog]

Cool.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you.

[aome]

I definitely would like to see Aladdin on Broadway sometime. Glad it eventually grew on you!

[smallhobbit]

I think you'd enjoy it. I'm used to traditional British pantomime, and this is very different, and generally I prefer the older musicals, like 42nd Street but I did feel the second half was better.

[scfrankles]

Can I just say that the Granville comparison made me smile? ^___^

I'm glad you enjoyed the show ^__^

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - it was so unfortunate, but it made it so hard to take him seriously!

[mafief]

Which song had the tap dancing number? I’m thinking the Never Had a Friend like Me, but not sure.

Both of your souvenirs sound like so much fun. :)

[smallhobbit]

Yes, it was Never Had a Friend Like Me, but I think it was when done as the Finale for Act One rather than first time round.