Critical Review at Hennepin Arts

  Annika Malchow Aladdin: A Show of Wonders Everyone knows the story of Aladdin : a poor man off the streets meets the Genie of the Lamp and is able to wish himself out of poverty to be with the woman he loves, who so happens to be the princess, Jasmine. He realizes that his worth isn’t dependent on his social standing, sets Genie free, and lives happily ever after with his princess in the land of Agrava. This show is vibrant, loud, and fun. Full of exciting dances and stirring accompaniments that create a lively atmosphere that will make anyone smile and cheer. Although there was some lacking effort with some of the sets, this show is great for anyone who just wants to have a fun night and see some great theatre. It is truly astounding how much difference the technical elements of a show can make. Aladdin did not disappoint. Consistently throughout the performance, the orchestra provided a strong and boisterous sound that melded perfectly with the incredible lights and dances. ...

  Aladdin Tour Brings Magic to Minneapolis Many people are familiar with Disney’s famous 1992 animated movie, Aladdin. Translated onto the stage in 2011, the musical follows the same entertaining plot while incorporating new songs by Alan Menken and Chad Beguelin. The story tells the tale of a love-stricken commoner, Aladdin (Adi Roy), and how he befriends a comedic Genie (Marcus M. Martin) to woo Princess Jasmine (Senzel Ahmady). Through captivating choreography, gorgeous designs, and a heartwarming narrative, the show takes the audience right into the fictional city of Agrabah. Aladdin , along with most Disney princess films, was a staple of my childhood. Needless to say, nostalgia and excitement made my expectations high, and I was not left disappointed. I found myself overjoyed as I watched the classic animation come to life before my eyes. Aladdin is a technical masterpiece, and although certain new plot lines and additional music fail to live up to the original movie, the a...

  Aladdin : One Jump Behind Having previously seen Aladdin two times on Broadway, once with James Monroe Iglehart, the original Genie who won a Tony award for the role, and growing up watching the animated Disney movie, this production of Aladdin felt bland, uninspired, and overall disappointing. Aladdin: The Musical tells the tale of a young beggar named Aladdin who discovers a magical lamp containing a Genie. Set in the city of Agrabah, the musical follows Aladdin's adventures as he uses the Genie's powers to win the heart of Princess Jasmine, while facing the heartless and conniving Jafar who seeks the lamp for his sinister purposes.  Despite the promise of transporting audiences to a vibrant, mystical world, the set design fell remarkably short, lacking the vivacity and grandeur expected. The stage, regrettably, appeared dull and monotonous, failing to capture the essence of Agrabah's enchanting allure. The minimalistic approach felt more like a barren canvas than t...

  Leah Rimstad Disney’s Aladdin - Soars to a Whole New World in Minneapolis!  Tour Company of Aladdin, Photo by Deenvan Meer, 2023 I grew up dreaming to soar the sky on a flying carpet! At the age of 5 I rode the “Magic Carpets of Aladdin ” in Disney World, but now at 16, the Aladdin Tour is my new way of fulfilling this childhood fantasy! Minneapolis is the next destination on the carpet’s journey, running at the Orpheum theater from Dec. 5th - Dec. 10. I was fortunate enough to score a seat on the 7th at 7:30pm, and it truly felt like we were in “A Whole New World”! Aladdin covers the story of a young man finding love with the help of a magical Genie. He is granted 3 wishes, but he must use them carefully in order to get what he desires. With breathtaking music by Alan Menken and countless adventurous scenes, Aladdin is guaranteed fun for the whole family! As Aladdin would ask, “Do you trust me?” The Agrabah story begins with an energized performance of “One Jump Ahead” wi...

Shining, Shimmering, Splendid  Claire Huss Aladdin  Disney’s Aladdin is a spectacular adaptation of Disney's 1992 animated film. The story depicts the titular character, Aladdin, stumbling through life as a pickpocket in the marketplace of Agrabah. His life is forever changed when he meets the independent Princess Jasmine and seeks her company via wishes from a Genie. Opening on Broadway in 2011, the musical was vastly successful – a relief considering the nearly $15 million budget.  The hero of this production of Aladdin is scenic designer Bob Crowley. Aladdin is a feast for the eyes, from the vibrant marketplace to the splendor of the palace to the grandiose Cave of Wonders. There were several gasps from the audience at each glimmer of gold, sunset behind the castle, or floating carpet. This grandeur is only amplified by the litany of costumes designed by Gregg Barnes, shimmering exquisitely on every single cast member.  "Friend Like Me" is the most impressive num...

  Amélie Tonoyan Aladdin: Notes of Nostalgia and Grandeur Imagine a stage adorned with culture, vibrant colors, and an atmosphere of grandeur. Such was the enchanting experience of attending the performance of Aladdin on the fifth of December at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. Beyond the enchanting magic of the spectacle, a vibrant narrative unfolded as we leapt from building to building alongside the riff-raff and street rat who is Aladdin. The narrative took us on a journey, witnessing the blossoming love between Aladdin and Jasmine, and soaring through the skies on a magical carpet. Entering Aladdin , my expectations were fueled by the anticipation of fun and nostalgia, and the Orpheum did not disappoint in delivering those sentiments. However, the opening number initially felt a bit off, lacking the expected energy. Yet, as the cast gradually warmed up, so did my own enthusiasm. The ensemble choreography, a touch often absent in contemporary musicals, was a delightfu...