Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Courtyard Theater (Chicago, IL)
Disney's enchanting 1992 animated film comes to the Navy Pier in a theatrical adaptation. Presented by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the musical Aladdin follows the title character as he frees the kingdom from the villainous Jafar and wins the heart of Princess Jasmine, with the help of a friendly Genie. The score includes "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me."
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
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The last date listed for Disney's Aladdin was Sunday August 30, 2009 / 2:00pm. (view all dates)
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There's not a bad seat in the house at CST. Kids loved the performance with plenty of humor for them to understand and adults to enjoy too. Fabulous costumes and use of puppetry to enhance the story. Great job!
I went to this production with my boyfriend and two nieces (5&7). It was a wonderful time. The seats were second row, can't beat that for discounted tickets. The costumes were bright and lively, as was the set & cast. The songs were upbeat & familiar to those who have previously seen the movie. Also, the cast made a point of turning to the audience and smiling. After the show some of the cast members were signing autographs & taking photos - an added bonus for the kids. It was fast paced & just long enough for two young girls to endure. I highly recommend it to anyone with young children.
I went to see the Aladdin musical with my sister was on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, the matinee show. The set was very nice and magical but not alike the movie. Of course, you cannot expect to add some of the things that were in the film to adapt on theater because it would be too much and complicated. Therefore, since I knew it was a children's musical, my expectations weren't much for it. It was cool, however, with the Genie's presence and I'll have to give it to him for his performance because with that great humor, I think the play would have been mediocre otherwise. Another comic relief for the play was Iago and the evil guy, Jafar. He was portrayed much funnier than in the movie, for he was much more the sinister of character. I would definitely recommend this event with and for the children. And if your just a Disney's Aladdin or just Disney aficcionado to remember the good ol' days of the film, then this would be your best bet!
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Chicago Shakespeare Theater is prominently located on Navy Pier, the Midwest's most-visited destination. It's a seven-story, glass curtain-walled structure, housing a courtyard theater and an upstairs theater, affording panoramic vistas of the Chicago skyline.
Website: http://www.chicagoshakes.com/main.taf?p=2,37
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice
Book adapted and additional lyrics by Jim Luigs
Music adapted and arranged by Bryan Louiselle
Based on the screenplay by Ron Clements,John Musker, Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio
Directed by Devanand Janki
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) brings Disney's Aladdin, an enchanting adaptation of the 1992 animated film, to the stage continuing CST's tradition of bringing family-friendly theater to Navy Pier all summer long. The production features Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice's awardwinning songs, including "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me." Previously performing as Scar and Zazu in the national touring production of The Lion King, Larry Yando and Derek Hasenstab will reunite as the diabolical duo, Jafar and his sidekick Iago. Immediately following each performance, the actors join the audience in the Lobby for one-on-one conversations and photo opportunities.
Aladdin, a clever street urchin, is wrongly accused of kidnapping the beautiful Princess Jasmine and locked away in a dungeon, leading him to a cave of wonders and the discovery of a magical lamp. One rub of the lamp releases a larger-than-life, fun-loving Genie ready to grant Aladdin three wishes. Together, they make their way into the city of Agraba, where the devious, power-hungry Jafar and his parrot Iago are threatening to take over the kingdom. Aladdin and his newfound friends must now use their wits -- and three wishes -- to outsmart the villains and save the kingdom in this musical adventure full of unforgettable songs and lovable characters. A timeless message of friendship and the importance of staying true to oneself is at the heart of this entertaining family musical.
Casting both veteran CST actors and introducing Chicago audiences to some of the nation's newest talent, Aladdin will feature CST audience favorite Larry Yando as Jafar and Derek Hasenstab as Iago. The pair recently starred in the national touring production of The Lion King, in which they brought two other memorable Disney characters (Scar and Zazu) to life on stage. Opposite the villainous veterans are the production's heroes, played by CST newcomers Tony Clarno and Melissa Espinosa as Aladdin and Jasmine, respectively. They are joined by Bill Larkin as Genie and Joseph Anthony Foronda as the Sultan with an ensemble rounded out by Karissa Barney, Sean Blake, Alex Goodrich, Jillian Jocson and Erik Kaiko who will each take on several roles.
Making his directorial debut at CST is Devanand Janki, who recently choreographed the CST commissioned family musical, How Can You Run with a Shell on Your Back? Among Mr. Janki's credits are concerts for the Broadway stage including Hair (director), Funny Girl (choreographer) and Dreamgirls (associate choreographer). Off Broadway, he directed and choreographed Zanna, Don't!, for which he received the Lucille Lortel, Callaway and GLAAD Media Awards, and choreographed Junie B. Jones, Henry & Mudge, Cupid & Psyche and Judy Speaks. Janki has also directed at Tokyo Disney among other regional credits.
"What I love about doing Disney's Aladdin is that it's not just for kids. The parents love it too," says Janki. "I think that's the thing that's so sophisticated about doing a production like this. There's something for everyone. And doing it in a space like the Courtyard Theater right here on Navy Pier makes for such a magical and memorable day for the entire family."
Chicago Shakespeare Theater offers a broad spectrum of theatrical experiences year-round, engaging and entertaining audiences from all walks of life and from around the world. The plays of William Shakespeare form the core of the company's work, complemented by other dramatic works -- from traditional classical theater to new classics that resonate with Shakespeare's timeless insights into the human condition. CST's World's Stage Series brings international theatrical productions to Chicago, presenting new cultural expressions and experiences. For family audiences, CST Family presents abridged Shakespeare productions and classic musicals for all ages.
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