Aladdin, the 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 film Aladdin is the meeting of Hollywood and Bollywood, the time of a wedding celebrated with pomp. If the Disney style does not appeal to 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.
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 cheer on 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 such as A Whole New World, the best known, and new pieces. On the boards, Aladdin no longer has his pet monkey, Abu. However, he is accompanied by three inseparable friends: Babkak, Omar and Kassim.
In this dizzying 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, performed 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. From Chrorus Line to Dancing with the Stars to Beauty and the Beast. This funny Genie even makes references to poutine and Tim Hortons (!) in lines for the public here. We would have made a wish to keep him on stage longer…
It is in its nods to American culture, such as its TV quizzes (The Price Is Right), Tap Dance and jazz, that Aladdin hits the mark. Because the music of Alan Menken remains quite 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 theater.
A final note to remind of the production age restriction. While Aladdin is aimed at 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…
