Magical Musical - Disney's new "Aladdin" at the Hyperion Theater

"When we first set out to re-imagine 'Aladdin' as a theatrical event, we approached it as an experience that would be comparable to a major new attraction at one of our theme parks," explains Disney Corp. President Michael Eisner. "In much the same way that Walt Disney theatrical productions have re-defined Broadway entertainment, we have now sought to re-define theme park entertainment by offering a stage musical of the highest caliber that is ideal for a family audience. We brought this timeless tale to life with lots of stunning designs, unforgettable imagery, and wonderful sets. We built the Hyperion Theatre to be fully equal to the best stages in the world, so that Disney's California Adventure can offer something no other theme park can offer: a Broadway caliber experience. As a result, for less than the price of a ticket to a New York musical, our guests can enjoy a full day in Anaheim, plus an all-stops-out Broadway show."

You can't have a great Broadway-caliber show without great talent, and Disney has assembled some of the best in the world.

First, Disney hired New York theater veteran Anne Hamburger as executive vice president, creative entertainment, for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Previously, Hamburger was artistic director of La Jolla Playhouse and, before that, the founder and artistic director of the celebrated En Garde Arts, which presented award-winning theater in a variety of unusual sites in New York City.

Then, Hamburger hired Francesca Zambello to direct "Aladdin." Zambello's credits include musical theater and opera productions around the world, including New York's Metropolitan Opera. Hamburger tapped choreographer Lynne-Taylor Corbett to create the dances in "Aladdin." Her previous credits include the Broadway musicals "Swing" and "Titanic." A slew of top-notch designers rounded out the creative team.

And, of course, what would "Aladdin" be without its famous film score? Many of the best songs penned by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice are back, plus one new song, the ballad "To Be Free," written especially for the show by Menken.

The show has been double cast, allowing for multiple performances throughout the day. Actors' credits include touring productions of "Rent," "Miss Saigon," "The Lion King," and others.

"This creative team embodies our goal of creating great shows that will delight our guests in ways they have never before experienced, as well as changing the way our theme park entertainment is viewed by the public at large," says Hamburger. "Many people who visit our theme parks don't have theater available to them or their children. We're introducing a new generation of future theatergoers to some of the most creative talents in the world in a format that all audiences can appreciate."

So does "Aladdin-a Musical Spectacular" live up to its hype? The answer is an unqualified yes. The show is fast-paced entertainment designed to grab audiences and keep them enthralled from start to finish. This is accomplished through dazzling special effects, effervescent dancing, accomplished acting and, of course, the still-terrific story and songs. It's a forty-minute thrill ride that makes typical amusement park shows pale in comparison. If Disney expanded the show and allowed more time to flesh out the characters and plot line (which would also provide more time for additional songs), they could certainly have another worthy contender for Broadway and beyond.

"Aladdin" is free with admission to California Adventure, and is scheduled for an indefinite run. If audiences applaud the show as much as the opening weekend crowd did, "Aladdin-A Musical Spectacular" will be a long-running success.

Bravo Disney!