Aladdin, there Broadway musical, is presented in Montreal until Sunday as part of its North American tour. A family, unifying show. And worthy of Disney’s magic recipe.
A festival of colors and wonders, costumes and sets, music and dance. The musical from the movie Aladdin, it’s the meeting of Hollywood and Bollywood, the time of a wedding celebrated with pomp. If the Disney style does not please everyone, it is clear that the producer of The Lion King remains the master of this universe of entertainment, populated by good feelings and super kitsch poetry.
PHOTOGRAPH BY DEEN VAN MEER, PROVIDED BY DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS
Aladdin : a festival of colors and wonders, of costumes and sets.
Moreover, only the magic of Disney can bring together in a room drag artists (like Mado Lamotte who we saw, in civilian clothes, on the floor on Tuesday evening), families and members of diversity from 7 to 77 years old. In our time (cynical, angry, post-pandemic), it’s also reassuring to see 3000 people find their child’s heart… and applaud a magic carpet! As it happened when Aladdin and Jasmine soar above the stage, under a starry sky, with the promise of a new life together.
We will not summarize this timeless story that is part of the universal imagination. The show resumes its main lines, offering songs from the film as A Whole New World, the best known, and new pieces. On stage, Aladdin no longer has his pet monkey, Abu. However, he is accompanied by three inseparable friends: Babkak, Omar and Kassim.
PHOTOGRAPH BY DEEN VAN MEER, PROVIDED BY DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS
Marcus M. Martin (the Genie), center, is the strongest character in the musical.
The genius of the show
In this stunning spectacle, the most interesting character is not the young Aladdin, nor the sultan and the beautiful princess, nor Iago and Jafar, the vizier who wants to replace the sultan. The highlight of the production is the Genie, interpreted with panache by Marcus M. Martin. When he finally emerges from his magic lamp, at the end of the first act, the actor delivers a breathtaking number! All in voice and flesh, the character multiplies the references to entertainment. Of Chorus Line To Dancing with the StarsPassing by Beauty and the Beast. This funny Genie even refers to poutine and Tim Hortons (!) in lines for the public here. We would have made a wish to keep him on stage longer…
It’s in his nods to American culture, like his TV quizzes (The Price is Right), Tap Dance and Jazz, which Aladdin flies. Because the music of Alan Menken remains fairly conventional. Casey Nicholaw’s staging and choreography amaze us. However, we are far from the artistic vision of Julie Taymor, for example, who created The Lion King at the theatre.
A final note to remind of the production age restriction. Whether Aladdin targets a general audience, Disney recommends this show for children ages 6 and up. Hearing parents talking incessantly and telling the whole story to a child who wants to leave, for two hours, can disturb the people around…
Aladdin
in English
Duration: 2 h 20 (with intermission)
At Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Artsuntil April 2