Show guide
Aladdin
Aladdin brings the beloved tale of a street urchin, a genie, and a magic lamp to dazzling theatrical life. Its blend of comedy, romance, and spectacle has made it a perennial family favorite on Broadway.
- Broadway premiere
- 2014
- Music by
- Alan Menken
- Genre
- Comedy
- Setting
- Timeless
Aladdin: quick answers
What is Aladdin about?
- Aladdin follows a street thief in Agrabah who finds a magic lamp, uses the Genie's wishes to pose as a prince and win Princess Jasmine, and must outwit the sultan's scheming vizier, Jafar.
When did Aladdin open on Broadway?
- Aladdin opened on Broadway on March 20, 2014, at the New Amsterdam Theatre, where it is still running. James Monroe Iglehart won a Tony Award for playing the Genie.
What kind of musical is Aladdin?
- Aladdin is a Disney musical comedy adapted from the 1992 animated film, with Alan Menken's film songs plus songs cut from the film and new numbers. It replaces Abu with three human friends and makes Iago a human sidekick.
Where and when is Aladdin set?
- Aladdin is set in Agrabah, a fictional Arabian city in a timeless fairy-tale past.
Has Aladdin played in London's West End?
- Aladdin opened in the West End on June 15, 2016, at the Prince Edward Theatre and ran 1,361 performances until August 24, 2019.
Is there a Aladdin movie?
- The musical is based on Disney's 1992 animated film, with Robin Williams as the Genie. Disney's 2019 live-action remake starred Mena Massoud, Will Smith, and Naomi Scott.
The story of Aladdin
Set in the fictional, timeless city of Agrabah, Aladdin follows a kind-hearted street thief who discovers a magic lamp and the wish-granting Genie inside it. Using his wishes to pose as a prince, Aladdin pursues the free-spirited Princess Jasmine while navigating the schemes of the villainous Jafar, who covets the lamp's power for himself.
The story blends adventure, romance, and comedy in a fantastical Middle Eastern-inspired setting outside of any specific historical period. Its themes of self-acceptance and staying true to who you are give the fantasy adventure an emotional core that resonates well beyond its magical trappings.
The music and the makers
The score comes from composer Alan Menken, whose music blends lush, old-fashioned Broadway melody with the vibrant, exotic flavor associated with the story's setting. The songs range from comic showstoppers to romantic ballads, giving the production a wide emotional range within a fundamentally lighthearted, comedic frame.
Menken's work on the stage version expands on beloved musical ideas with new material written specifically for the theatre, resulting in a score built for maximum spectacle, humor, and audience singalong appeal.
Aladdin on Broadway
Aladdin opened on Broadway in 2014 and quickly became one of the most popular family-friendly musicals running, known for its elaborate costumes, magic carpet flying effects, and larger-than-life Genie performance. It draws audiences of all ages looking for pure theatrical spectacle.
Its appeal lies in combining a widely loved story with the kind of jaw-dropping stagecraft that only live theatre can deliver, from quick-change costume tricks to genuine flying illusions. It remains a staple of Broadway's family entertainment lineup.
Aladdin: frequently asked questions
When did Aladdin open on Broadway?
Aladdin opened on Broadway in 2014.
Who composed the music for Aladdin?
Alan Menken wrote the score.
What is Aladdin about?
It follows a street thief who finds a magic lamp and uses its genie's wishes to win the heart of a princess while facing off against a power-hungry villain.
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