Experience “A Whole New World” with Broadway Hit Aladdin
At Boston Opera House through August 5
The national touring company of the Broadway hit musical Aladdin is at the Boston Opera House through August 5. Photo by Deen van Meer
Fans of Disney films and Broadway musicals are in for a treat. The national touring production of the Broadway hit Aladdin has rolled into town and will be at the Boston Opera House through August 5.
Based on the enormously popular 1992 film of the same name, the stage musical tells the story of the self-possessed Princess of Agrabah, Jasmine, and the poor but ambitious street lad Aladdin, who passes himself off as a prince to woo her. The two meet by accident in the marketplace, and it’s love at first sight. Their burgeoning relationship is aided and abetted by a shape-shifting genie and a pair of memorable villains, making for a delightfully entertaining theatrical outing.
Aladdin was the highest grossing film of 1992, taking in $207 million at the domestic box office and $504 million worldwide. The Broadway adaptation (still running more than four years after opening) includes the film’s original Oscar-winning score and lyrics, but has been expanded from 91 to 155 minutes, with the addition of songs cut from the film, including “Proud of Your Boy,” and several written for the stage production. There are plenty of sly references to classic Hollywood, TV game shows, and celebrities like Oprah Winfrey. One notable change: the film’s endearing animal sidekicks Abu, Raja, and Iago have been replaced with human counterparts. The Magic Carpet, we are happy to report, remains and nearly steals the show.
The original Broadway production was nominated for five Tony Awards, among them Best Musical and Best Original Score. James Monroe Iglehart took home a Tony for his role as the goofy, lovable genie. He’s played by Michael James Scott in this production.
Looking for a drink or a bite to eat before or after the show? Grab a margarita at Fajitas and ’Ritas on West Street or enjoy some traditional pub fare at Stoddard’s Fine Food & Ale on Temple Place or fresh-off-the-boat seafood at Legal Sea Foods on Washington Street. For more recommendations, check out the Boston Opera House dining page.
Tonight’s performance is at 7:30 pm. Some tickets are still available—order online here.
Aladdin is at the Boston Opera House, 139 Washington St., Boston, through August 5. Purchase tickets online or at the box office. Take an MBTA Green Line trolley or Orange Line train to Boylston Street. The Boston Opera House will next stage The Book of Mormon, Genius at Play, and the Broadway hit Hamilton. Find more details about these and other productions here.
Sarah Wells can be reached at swells21@bu.edu.
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