Review: Disney’s Aladdin the Musical is Shining, Shimmering, Splendid 

Disney’s Aladdin was full of unbelievable sights and left us with indescribable feelings. 
Photo: James Green/Base Entertainment Asia

Aladdin-mania doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. As the live-action movie adaptation glides past the $1 billion mark at the box office, fans of the Disney classic in Singapore have another fantastic Aladdin production to go gaga over. 

The hit Broadway musical, based on the 1992 animated film, transforms Sands Theatre into the mesmerising city of Agrabah, and takes the audience on a magic carpet ride through classics like ‘Prince Ali’, ‘Arabian Nights’ and of course, ‘A Whole New World’. 

This production of Disney’s Aladdin opened in Sydney in 2016 and has travelled to cities like Melbourne and Adelaide, and will end its run in Singapore, its final stop. 

Photo: Jeff Busby/Base Entertainment Asia

Genie, played by the fabulous Gareth Jacobs, is easily the standout star, stealing the spotlight each time he takes the stage. With Will Smith playing his counterpart on the silver screen, Jacobs presents a more sassy, animated portrayal of the larger-than-life character. In the era of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Jacobs’ flamboyant presentation of the iconic Genie is more relevant than ever – and the audience seems to lap up every moment of it, giving Jacobs and the cast a standing ovation after a spectacular, mind-blowing, eight-minute rendition of ‘Friend Like Me’, complete with magic tricks, special effects, pyrotechnics and even tap dancing. 

Aladdin and Jasmine, played by Graeme Isaako and Shubshri Kandiah respectively, also hold their own, playing the main characters with much conviction and gusto. Their chemistry is palpable, and as they embark on the highly-anticipated magic carpet ride with ‘A Whole New World’ (arguably the biggest Disney song to date), squeals, sniffles and gasps can be heard throughout the theatre. 

Magic Carpet Singapore
Photo: James Green/Base Entertainment Asia

Speaking of the magic carpet ride, the sequence achieved the seemingly impossible – translating the magic of the animation to real life. Production is keeping mum on the secret behind the magic carpet, and to be honest, we are perfectly fine with it; the set truly transports us to, well, a whole new world, and it is a fantasy we don’t mind living out. 

With a total of 500 sets and props in the production, the musical introduces the audience to one amazing locale after another. The Cave of Wonders is jaw-dropping, with its 120 pieces of gold giving the audience a wondrous sight to gawk at. 

Aladdin Disney Singapore Marina Bay Sands
Photo: Deen Van Meer/Base Entertainment Asia

Disney’s Aladdin is a spectacular, blockbuster production not to be missed. With jokes tailored for Singaporean audiences, new characters (look out for Aladdin’s hilarious new friends), and fresh sequences, the musical is a refreshing update to the familiar story that both young and old can enjoy.

We may not have a magic lamp, but Disney’s Aladdin sure did make our nostalgic wishes come true.  

Get your tickets to Disney’s Aladdin, running from July 21 to September 1 at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands, from Sistic. For more information, visit www.marinabaysands.com.