People
don't go to Disney musicals for nuanced character development or sophisticated music. They go for the production value and for the spectacle. They go to be WOWED.
Well, with Wharton’s latest
Broadway touring production of “Aladdin”, be prepared to be wowed.
It took 30 semi-trucks and
two weeks of labor to load this monster show into Wharton - and it’s worth it. From the very beginning, the Great Hall stage
is filled with color, spangles and even mini explosions. And the stage is
surrounded by extra lights, speakers, and projectors.
As is the Disney
tradition, everything comes off perfectly.
The timing of the special effects, costume changes and overwhelming set automation
was eye-popping. And for those who
always complain about the Wharton acoustics, the sound for “Aladdin” is crystal
clear and beautifully mixed.
The “Aladdin” music is
well known for those who remember the iconic movie starring Robin Williams. The
script is funny and goofy. For the adults
in the room there are plenty of plays on words and current political jokes
(they managed to insert quid pro quo into the story) to keep you interested.
For the kids, cornball
humor abounds.
Disney stories are known
for their entertaining sidekicks and “Aladdin” is no exception. Bad guy Jafar (Jonathan
Weir) has his Iago (a very funny Reggie De Leon) and Aladdin (Jonah Ho’Okano) has his ‘three
amigos’ Babkak, Omar and Kassim (Jerald Vincent, Zach Bencal, Ben Chavez) who are all energetic
dancers with great comic timing.
As Aladdin, Ho’Okano has a
warm and emotional voice which gives depth and charm to the role. But, Jasmine (Kaenaon Alani Kekoa) dominates the stage with her spunky personality and shimmering voice. There is a real chemistry between her and
her childhood friend, Ho’Okano.
Korie Lee Blossey is the
large-than-life Genie and he explodes with good humor, wonderful dancing and
personality.
But the star of the show
is the production itself. The startling
magic carpet (how’d they do that?) the sets, the array of hundreds of exquisite
costumes replete with rhinestones, crystals and every color one can imagine.
You will never see
production numbers like the ones of Aladdin.
And the brilliant use of lighting make the costumes and sets gleam even
more than you thought possible.
“Aladdin” is the perfect
Christmas show for Wharton to bring to local audiences and the perfect way to
introduce your little ones to musical theater for the first time. The shows
runs through December 15. www.whartoncenter.com
No comments:
Post a Comment