Let me be brief (because not only should no one spend money on this show, but no one should have to waste their time reading about it either), Aladdin is an overblown, expensive, not anywhere near as endearing copy of the original. To be clear, I generally consider Aladdin one of the greatest movies that Disney has ever made. It's well-paced, cultural (loosely based on the 1001 Arabian Nights), Robin Williams is a genius in his role as the Genie, and the music is lovely. It's the kind of movie one can enjoy as a child then rediscover as an adult. In other words, exactly what current Disney movies seem to lack. This musical version, however, is a deflated version of the original, to say the least.
First off, the additional music is uninspired, forgettable, and ultimately a waste of time. And while the first few scenes seem to promise the same jubilance as the movie, the show slows down as it progresses. Next, it is poorly paced (the two biggest scenes are in the middle of both acts, breaking up the action for the overzealous applause), and becomes more and more saccharine as you reach the end. Beyond general criticisms, the writers have decided to take Jasmine's stubbornness and independence from the film and transform it into unbridled feminism, which, when acted out on stage, sounds stilted and absurd. It is a fairy tale, of course, so even the most unbelievable plot events could happen. But, one is much more accepting of a cartoon movie with a childish outlook on reality than of a stage musical with big sets and an even bigger price tag. They have also removed the more cultural aspects—the shiny, sparkling set and largely Jewish/African American/Hispanic cast sing and dance in a thoroughly American way. America, let us remember, is a hodgepodge, and in this case, the traditionally Broadway style which has already been largely replaced today (you know what it looks like—lots of tap dancing, huge sets that are mostly backdrop, lots of sequins and lights), seems more like the absence of culture. I suppose people might be hesitant to produce a musical that glorifies Arab culture in America today—and I certainly don't mean to say that the original movie represents that culture in an authentic way—but ignoring the tradition that this movie calls upon causes the musical to lose everything.
Like I said, I want to be brief. All I want to say is that Disney is going to need to look back at its one truly successful musical in order to learn how to write new ones. The reason that The Lion King is still going strong is that it is a work of art—largely distinct from the original movie. The songs that were added are often equal to the originals, if not better; the set and costume design are nothing short of brilliant and succeed in transforming a lovely animated film into an equally appealing stage production; finally, the cultural aspects (from the language to the masks) make the show appear distinct and original among countless other Broadway productions that all tend to look alike. Aladdin does none of this, but that's not the worst part. The worst is that I spent $150 and went to see it on a Wednesday night while I was still jetlagged. Forcing myself to stay awake to get my money's worth was difficult. I don't think I have ever been more disappointed by a musical.
The curtain at intermission. Not particularly impressive for a multi-million dollar show that will probably close within the year...
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