Atlantis Productions stages ‘Disney’s Aladdin’
MANILA, Philippines - Atlantis Productions caps its successful 2012 season with the Asian premiere of the family musical Disney’s Aladdin.
After the success of its productions of Disney’s Beauty & The Beast in 2005 and Disney’s The Little Mermaid last year, Atlantis Productions announces that it has been handpicked by Disney Theatricals to stage the Asian premiere of its newest full-length stage musical Disney’s Aladdin.
The musical is based on the much-loved animated film and tells the story of Aladdin, a street-smart commoner whose life changes with one rub of a magic lamp. This brand-new romantic musical adventures features all the beloved songs from the film’s Oscar-winning score and brings the movie’s most memorable characters to life — Genie, Jafar, Iago, the Sultan, and of course, Jasmine and Aladdin. Joining these characters are three riotous narrators who make up Aladdin’s street band — Babkak, Omar and Kassim. Disney’s Aladdin features music by eight-time Oscar Award winner Alan Menken with lyrics by Oscar Award winner Howard Ashman, Oscar Award winner Tim Rice, and Tony Award nominated lyricist Chad Beguelin, who also wrote the brand new book of the musical.
Alternating in the role of the Genie are award-winning recording artist, film and television star, and musical theater performer Aiza Seguerra, and veteran stage actor Calvin Millado.
Aiza Seguerra, who was most recently seen in Rock of Ages, has appeared in such musicals as The Rocky Horror Show, and Avenue Q (Manila and Singapore). Theater veteran Calvin Millado has been seen in musicals such as Rent, Legally Blonde, The Rocky Horror Show, In The Heights, Avenue Q, The Little Mermaid and Rock of Ages.
On playing the Genie, Aiza says, “I have been a fan of Disney’s Aladdin since I was a child. I knew all the songs by heart. I knew right away playing the Genie would be so much fun!”
And Calvin says, “I very excited to play the Genie and I look forward to the big production numbers that will showcase my skills as a dancer!”
PBB finalist Tom Rodriguez plays Aladdin. Moviegoers and TV fans will know him from his appearances in movies like Here Comes The Bride and Temptation Island and the TV series, Be Careful With My Heart where he is actually paired off with Aiza Seguerra. “Even as a child, I always wanted to be Aladdin. In fact, I even had a pet monkey. Playing this role now, is a dream come true,” says Tom.
K-la Rivera, who was last seen onstage in her breakout performance as Nina in In The Heights plays Princess Jasmine. K-la is also a recording artist and has recently released a six-song album under Star Records. “Every young girl dreams of becoming a princess, and so did I. Playing Princess Jasmine is really an ‘indescribable feeling’ and a dream come true,” gushes K-la.
Theater veteran and Miss Saigon alumnus Raul Montesa plays the villainous Jafar, recording artist and theater performer Jimmy Marquez plays Jafar’s sidekick, Iago. Another theater veteran and Miss Saigon alumnus, Jun Ofrasio plays the Sultan of Agrabah. Rounding out the cast are Bibo Reyes, Johann Dela Fuente and Jamie Wilson who play Babkak, Omar and Kassim.
They will be joined by a multi-talented ensemble who will sing and dance across the enchanting world of Agrabah in this romantic musical adventure.
Disney’s Aladdin is directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga, set design by Lex Marcos and Lawyn Cruz, lighting design by Jay Aranda, choreography by Ceicle Martinez, costume design by Twinkle Zamora, musical direction by Ceejay Javier and vocal direction by ManMan Angsico.
The production runs from Nov. 16 to Dec. 9 at the Meralco Theater and is made possible through a special licensing arrangement with Music Theatre International. For tickets and inquiries, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078.
