Aladdin

Aladdin

By Erin

Disney’s Aladdin is in theaters now! Such a thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, brings back so much 90’s nostalgia from my childhood. The exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine, and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Starring Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari, Navid Negahban, Nasim Pedrad, Billy Magnussen and Numan Acar. Aladdin is directed by Guy Ritchie from a screenplay by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s Aladdin by Ron Clements & John Musker and Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio. The film is produced by Dan Lin, p.g.a., and Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a., with Marc Platt and Kevin De La Noy serving as executive producers. Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs writen by Menken and lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. New music written by Menken and songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

The Magical Story starts of in the streets of Agrabah, that is home to Aladdin (Mena Massoud), a lovable street rat who is eager to leave his life of petty thievery behind, believing he is destined for much greater things. Across town, the Sultan’s daughter, Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott ), harbors dreams of her own. She longs to experience life beyond the palace walls and use her title to better serve the people of Agrabah, but her father is extremely overprotective and her handmaiden, Dalia (Nasim Pedrad), keeps close tabs on her. The Sultan (Navid Negahban) is preoccupied with finding a suitable husband for his daughter, while Jafar (Marwan Kenzari), his loyal and trusted advisor and a powerful sorcerer, is frustrated with the Sultan’s passive stance on Agrabah’s future and is devising a plan to assume the throne himself.

It’s the same story we have come to know a love with a few twists and turns, a new character along with new songs you are going to love. The visuals are stunning and Will Smith does the best he can to fill the big shoes of the Genie that Robin Williams left behind. Robin Williams is irreplaceable, but Will helps capture the magic and wit of the Genie.

Aladdin (Mena Massoud) meets the larger-than-life blue Genie (Will Smith) in Disney’s live-action adaptation ALADDIN, directed by Guy Ritchie.

Here are a few fun facts about the making of the film that shows just how much thought, planning and detail went into making Aladdin.

Production designer Gemma Jackson, who won an Emmy Award® for her production design work on “Game of Thrones,” was tasked with bringing Agrabah to life. She envisioned the city as a gateway to the Eastern world with a vibrant array of colors, cultures and sounds. Her inspirations came primarily from Moroccan, Persian and Turkish architecture and featured elements of Arab, Indian and South Asian cultures, since Agrabah is an Arab country on the Silk Road where cultural influences from other cultures in the regions could be found. The art department, under the supervision of Gemma Jackson, built the massive Agrabah set outdoors on a tarmac the size of two football fields at Longcross Studios in just 15 weeks.

Set decoration for Agrabah included fabrics, textiles and carvings similar to those found in Marrakesh, lots of colorful woods, metals, fruits and vegetables and a 1,000-year-old olive tree.

The Agrabah courtyard, market stalls, narrow alleys and cluttered rooftops were designed to accommodate the extensive choreography and stunts featured in the musical numbers “One Jump Ahead” and “Prince Ali.”

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Disney’s Aladdin-Musical Spectacular- Comes to an End this Sunday!

Disney’s Aladdin Musical Spectacular

By Erin

After nearly a 13 year run, Disney’s Aladdin Musical Spectacular will be taking a bow as the final curtain will fall this Sunday, January 10th. I was lucky enough to get in to see a special showing of Aladdin last month at a Disney Parks Blog meet-up.

This musical spectacular stars the spunky Princess Jasmine and the unstoppable street urchin Aladdin that we have all come to know and love in this stage show, but it is time to bid farewell to Agrabah as Aladdin takes his last musical, magical carpet ride. Make sure if you are trying to get in to see this for the last time that you get a *FASTPASS*. It is highly recommended that you do this to guarantee your seats for the show! You surely wouldn’t want to miss the unbelievable sights and indescribable feelings all because you forgot to get one would you? The last adventures of Aladdin, Jasmine and Genie will open your eyes to a whole new world for one last time. Experience the shining, shimmering, splendid song-and-dance extravaganza as the final curtain closes on this beloved show. So be sure to grab your FASTPASS tickets near the entrance to the Hyperion Theater—there will be limited stand-by viewing for each performance. If you haven’t been able to come into the parks to see the show for one last time, don’t fret, I got some amazing photos from the show, to give you a glimpse into the magic. 🙂

Aladdin-Hyperion-Theater-Disney-CA

The Hyperion Theater where all the magic takes place.

Aladdin-Curtain-Show-Theater-Disney-CA

Waiting for the curtains to rise for the show to begin!

Aladdin-Jafar-Disney-CA-Shows

Jafar makes his appearance.

Aladdin-Market-Theater-Disney-CA

The marketplace.

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