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!

ALADDIN STAGE SHOW COMING TO DETROIT OPERA HOUSE

The Detroit Opera House with its ornate 1920's era architectural details is a magnificent place to go for live theatrical performances.  It was built when performers had a more intimate connection with their audiences and there weren't the sound systems and special effects to enhance performances we have today so the theater was specifically designed to enhance the acoustics and atmosphere within the space. After an extensive renovation in 1996, the Detroit Opera House maintains the wonderful elements of a classic theater combined with modern, high-tech features making it a remarkable place for hosting concerts and shows.

I have seen a number of entertaining acts there over the years and even walked across its stage myself for my law school graduation ceremony.  So there are a number of memorable times that come to mind when thinking of the Detroit Opera House.  I'm looking forward to making some new memories tied to this great place when I take my little girl there for a daddy-daughter night out when Disney Theatrical Productions' ALADDIN comes to Detroit for a run at the Opera House from December 12, 2018 through January 13, 2019.

Tickets for this limited five week engagement start at $25 and are available to purchase now. You can purchase tickets to the play 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.

This ALADDIN stage show originally opened on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre to critical acclaim on March 20, 2014. It quickly established itself as one of that theater's biggest blockbusters in recent years, breaking 13 New Amsterdam Theatre house records. Since then the production has expanded to include productions in Tokyo, Hamburg, London and Australia, in addition to two U.S. productions including this one visiting Detroit.

ALADDIN, adapted from the Academy Award®-winning animated Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical. Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exotic world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance. This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for this play. The play also features costumes, props, and stage layouts designed by seven-time Tony-winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, six-time Tony-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, and two-time Tony-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes.

Under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, the show 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), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).

For more information, visit AladdinTheMusical.com/tour, Facebook.com/Aladdin and Twitter.com/Aladdin.