Following months of rumours, Disney has confirmed its hit Broadway musical adaption of Aladdin will fly into London next summer with open auditions due to take place in the capital next month.
In a post on the production’s Broadway website, Disney announced the production is in search of “Excellent, athletic, technically trained male and female dancers” to join the company of its West End production, which is confirmed to open in summer 2016.
Based on the much-loved 1992 Disney film, Aladdin boasts a stunning musical theatre creative team with direction and choreography by The Book Of Mormon’s Casey Nicholaw, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and music by regular Disney writer Alan Menken.
The show made its New York premiere in 2014, winning critical and public acclaim for its spectacular staging – yes, a magic carpet ride features – as the original film’s hugely popular numbers including A Whole New World and Friend Like Me were bought to the stage alongside new songs created especially for the colourful stage adaptation.
The New York Times praised the show for its elaborate costumes and spirited energy, saying: “This latest musical… defied my dour expectations. Aladdin has an infectious and only mildly syrupy spirit. Not to mention enough baubles, bangles and beading to keep a whole season of RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants in runway attire.”
Full details of when and where London audiences will be treated to the story of Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, a magical Genie and the villainous Jafar are still to be announced.
The five-time Tony Award nominated show will become the latest of numerous Broadway exports to hit the West End following hugely successful musicals including The Book Of Mormon, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical and the forthcoming Kinky Boots.