Take Magic Carpet Ride to Disney’s Aladdin at the Hollywood Pantages

Last night, I attended the Opening Night of Disney’s Aladdin at the Hollywood Pantages and it was a colorful, vibrant, joyful, fun musical adventure and I loved every minute of it

Last night, I was swept up on a Magical Carpet ride of attending the Opening Night of Disney’s Aladdin at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. I’ve been wanting to see this musical ever since it garnered rave reviews on Broadway and am happy to say it definitely lives up to the hype. This show is everything you want from a theatrical musical and so much more – the bold and beautiful sets, the colorful costumes, the extravagant musical numbers, the catchy tunes, the timeless fairy tale story and the seasoned and entertaining actors.

This national touring production of Aladdin had me smiling from ear to ear the entire time! The sets were vibrant and colorful and I was mesmerized by how intricate they were. The musical numbers were so grand, upbeat and entertaining that they made me want to get up and dance right along with them. This show was truly a feast for the senses and it just makes you feel happy and good.

While honestly there was nothing that I didn’t like about the Pantages production of Aladdin, the hands down highlights for me were the Genie, played by the jubilant and uber talented Michael James Scott and the namesake star Aladdin, played by the seasoned Broadway leading man Adam Jacobs. Both of these actors stole the show for different reasons.

While Genie is admittedly written as a fun, silly over-the-top character, Michael Scott’s portrayal is nuanced, sassy and captivating. I loved his stage presence, his boldness and his moments of improv throughout the show. His performance was stellar!

Adam Jacob’s portrayal of Aladdin was finessed, confident and yet vulnerable at the same time. His honest and realistic portrayal of Aladdin made this rags to riches story so much more believable.  Plus he can really sing! It’s no surprise that he was nominated for a 2014 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for originating the role of Aladdin on Broadway.

One last highlight for me of the Aladdin production at the Pantages was the repartee between Jonathan Weir’s Jafar and Reggie De Leon’s Iago (who totally reminded me of the iconic Jerry Lewis). Their villainous evil banter was just so fun and campy, I laughed and went for the ride every time they were on stage.

Disney’s Aladdin Musical is so fun and entertaining, it’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy (they recommend ages 6 and up.) It will make you laugh, it will make you smile and feel good and you’ll get swept up on a magic carpet ride of entertainment just like I was. Enjoy!

Disney’s Aladdin is playing at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre now through March 31, 2018.