Leads for Disney's Aladdin announced

MANILA, Philippines - After the success of its productions of Disney’s Beauty & The Beast in 2005 and Disney’s The Little Mermaid last year, Atlantis Productions announces that it has been handpicked by Disney Theatricals to stage the Asian premiere of its newest full-length stage musical Disney’s Aladdin.

Based on the much-loved animated film, Disney’s Aladdin tells the story of a street-smart commoner whose whole life changes with one rub of a magic lamp. The brand-new romantic musical adventure incorporates all the beloved songs from the film’s Oscar-winning score and brings some of the movie’s most memorable characters to life. Jafar, Iago, the Sultan, the Genie and of course, Aladdin and Jasmine come together to create a whole new world of magical musical theater for the whole family. 

Disney’s Aladdin features music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Oscar awardees Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and Tony Award-nominated lyricist Chad Beguelin, who also wrote the brand-new book of the musical.

Atlantis Productions head Bobby Garcia says, “We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Disney Theatricals with Disney’s Aladdin, which only recently premiered in the United States. We are honored that Disney has handpicked us to premiere the musical in Asia. We look forward to creating the enchanting world of Agrabah and the romantic Arabian nights where Aladdin and Princess Jasmine take flight on their magic carpet ride. It will definitely be the musical event for families this year. We can’t wait to begin.”

Playing the title role of Aladdin is former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Tom Rodriguez. Tom has appeared in Maalaala Mo Kaya, Angelito, My Driver Sweet Lover, Here Comes the Bride and Petrang Kabayo. Disney’s Aladdin marks Tom’s professional musical theater debut. He says, “It’s literally like having a dream come true. I grew up watching Aladdin. I mean, what kid didn’t want to play Aladdin? And now being given this exciting opportunity, the kid in me is just so ecstatic and beaming with pride and joy. Natatawa nga ako kasi hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na totoo ’to, na nangyayari ’to. I’m really looking forward to the experience.”

Chosen to play the iconic role of Princess Jasmine, which was sung by none other than Lea Salonga in the animated classic, is recording artist K-La Rivera, who received an Aliw nomination for Best Actress for her performance as Nina in In The Heights. K-La says about being chosen to play a Disney princess, “Being chosen to play Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin is such a dream come true for me. Growing up, being a princess was a dream of mine. Doing the photoshoot and wearing the costume alone made me so kilig and excited to do the production. I’m so thankful to direk Bobby Garcia and direk Chari Arespacochaga. I’m honored to have been chosen for this iconic role and I will do my best to bring Princess Jasmine to life in the Manila production of Aladdin.”

Of the possibility of being compared to Lea, she says, “There will never ever be another Lea Salonga. With her being the original Princess Jasmine, I don’t think there will ever be a more perfect version of A Whole New World. It’s a song I grew up singing on karaoke. For me to be able to sing it now on stage by portraying the role of Princess Jasmine, it’s something I am just ecstatic about and I cannot wait to start. I’ll do my best to make her proud.”

A full cast will be announced soon.

Disney’s Aladdin will open in November at the Meralco Theatre and is made possible through a special licensing arrangement with Music Theatre International. Shows are now available for show-buying and fund-raising opportunities. For details, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078.