Review: DISNEY'S ALADDIN to Return On Stage

If you were amongst those who missed a historic spectacle when Disney Aladdin made it's debut on Indian stage, then you could redeem what you missed this December.

Disney's Aladdin -- a captivating tale that has impressed readers ands viewers across globe is all set to return on Indian stage.

The show which will be staged just before Christmas at the famed NCPA in Mumbai, has already started its pre-sale. No wonder viewers are lining up to ensure their seat to be a part of this Broadway style musical.

So, as Indian audiences get ready for a second round of this desi style Aladdin here's looking at what the show was like and why it created a dedicated fan following.

Riding high on the success of Beauty and the Beast, Disney India, brought along another universal favorite -- Aladdin but reimagined in an Indian flavor. So, the cast and the crew definitely deserve credit for getting the local dialects and mannerisms right and weaving it into a story that has seen innumerable adaptations. Often in stories that are popular to this extent, it is natural for an actor to follow the safe formula but here's where Disney India's version manages to score a thumbs up. As the show progresses, the story remains rooted in its originality. As you may have read and re-read Chad Begulin's Arabian Nights and must have imagined the genie and the characters in your mind, the stage presentation adds another but very interesting nuance to the story.

Director Shruti Sharma had been able to strike the right balance between originality and adapting to the mood of the audience. The central character was played by Taaruk Raina and he looks great as the young, confused lad who is hell-bent on attaining what he dreams of. Princess Jasmine played by Kira made her India debut impressively. The chemistry between Jasmine and Aladdin is cute and an engaging relationship is established between not just Aladdin and his genie but also the audiences and the genie. No wonder, every time genie enters the stage there was applause and excitement. Roshan Abbas as evil Jafar is a reason you would want to see more of Abbas on stage. The best part remains when the dialogues take the dialect of Mumbaiyya style lingo and you regret missing a few lines because of the loud claps.

The musical has spell-binding moments with songs such as Diamonds in the rough and Prince Ali. The choreography by duo of Shampa Gopikirishna and Bertwin Ravi D Souza give you a glimpse of great dance forms from around the world with of course the unmistakable Arabian influences.

Show Details:

Exclusive pre-sale for Paypal account holders begins from 29th October onwards.

Tickets available for the public Nov 4 onwards.

Show starts: December 21 onwards at Jamshed Bhabha Theatre NCPA

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