Friday, December 14, 2018

ALADDIN AT THE DETROIT OPERA HOUSE

My daughter was all smiles as we took in a performance of Disney's ALADDIN THE MUSICAL at the Detroit Opera House. This stage show based upon the 1992 animated movie by Walt Disney Studios originally opened on Broadway where it became a blockbuster theatrical hit. Now the show is traveling across the country stopping in Detroit for performances from December 12, 2018 through January 13, 2019.

Ironically, ALADDIN has moved from the Big Apple's New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway to the Michigan Opera Theatre's home on Broadway Street in Detroit. This 1920's era theater is a great location for Broadway style plays as it was specifically designed to provide splendid acoustics in an environment filled with grand looking Italian Renaissance style architecture. The Detroit Opera House is filled with lavish crystal chandeliers, frescoes, brass fixtures, and marble stairways providing a luxurious setting for enjoying a show. With the place decked out in holiday decorations it was an extra special time to visit the place.




Attractive sets and glamorous costumes combined with acrobatic dance routines and energetic musical numbers thoroughly amused my nine year old daughter. She was clapping, laughing, and singing along throughout the show.  The comedic moments, choreographed sword fights, and on-stage fireworks and laser light special effects in ALADDIN where what really entertained me. From a magic carpet that takes the audience along on a ride through the sky to watching the evil villain being vanquished as he disappears in an explosion of smoke this show is sure to delight. It made for a great daddy-daughter night out!


While this musical stage show is based off of the classic Disney animated movie, this incarnation of ALADDIN also has its own unique elements. While it includes five cherished songs from the movie's Academy Award-winning soundtrack there are even more included in ALADDIN THE MUSICAL that were written especially for this show. Also Aladdin's monkey pal in the movie is replaced with a trio of misfit street rat friends who support the story's hero and provide a lot of comedic moments that had the audience during our show cracking up from their jests and high jinx. You'll need to go see the show yourself to discover all the tweaks and twists from the movie in this version of ALADDIN crafted by Disney Theatrical Productions.

I have to say the talent level of all the performers was really impressive and Clinton Greenspan (Aladdin) and Michael James Scott (Genie) were simply outstanding. The show's talented ensemble wasn't just performing on stage though. Behind the scenes, this production of ALADDIN was supported with costumes, props, and stage layouts designed by seven-time Tony-winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, six-time Tony-winning lightning designer Natasha Katz, and two-time Tony winning costume designer Gregg Barnes. Under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, the show also features music by Tony Award and eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Sister Act), lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), three-time Tony Award and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (Evita, Aida) and four-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), and is choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).



ALADDIN is a show that will entertain all ages. So whether you want to take the whole family on an outing to the Detroit Opera House, enjoy a daddy-daughter excursion like I did, or leave the kids at home for a date night with your significant other, you will be glad you want to go see ALADDIN while it is in town. Being that my daughter was beaming from cheek to cheek during the show and she couldn't wait to go to school the next day to tell all her friends about it, you know we had a wonderful time at ALADDIN THE MUSICAL.

Tickets for this limited engagement at the Detroit Opera House are still available and start at $25. You can purchase tickets online at www.broadwayindetroit.com or www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-982-2787. You can also stop by the Fisher Theatre and Detroit Opera House box offices to buy tickets to ALADDIN.


A Geek Daddy received complimentary tickets from Broadway in Detroit to see this show. Opinions expressed are my own. My daughter and I honestly really enjoyed the show!

13 comments:

  1. I love musicals. I took my son to a play last month, but not as exciting as a musical. I bet you all had a terrific time - Aladdin is a special movie.

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  2. Aww what a sweet daddy/daughter night out. I loved Aladdin as a child and think it's great that they are re-introducing the story to a new generation via a musical.

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  3. I went to see Mean Girls in New York last week. It was awesome! I would love to see Aladdin!

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  4. This opera house is absolutely stunning! I have seen Aladdin on broadway and I absolutely loved it.

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  5. The production and opera house look fantastic! I wonder how young would be appropriate for the show there? I also wonder how many little ones I could handle? LOL

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    1. From looking around at other kids in the audience and my own experiences going to shows with my own children I'd suggest 7 years old and up. My nine year old loved it! There was a preschooler sitting behind us who was pretty antsy and they didn't stay for the whole show

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  6. I wish I get to go to an Opera House one day. Love to experience this and praying for this to come true. Plus from my childhood Aladdin is one of my favorite Disney story with a great theme song.

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  7. The Genie was my favorite! This was a fun musical - probably the most fun I've seen in quite a while.

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  8. We watched it, too! Isn't it absolutely spectacular? We were blown by the acting, singing and overall performance.

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  9. Looks like a fantastic show! I've haven't been to a show in quite a while. Live shows are always the most exciting.

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  10. Looks like it was a great show, and what a nice venue too! I would love to see this with my kids.

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  11. Me an the whole family love musicals too! We love theater acts and such. Would love to see this too!

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  12. This looks like it would be an amazing show. I would love to be able to attend this.

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