“Aladdin” ( Milwaukee) reviewed by Amy Menzel

***** There’s a reason they call it Disney magic. There are many, actually. And all of them are on display in Aladdin, now playing at the Marcus Performing Arts Center through October 22. The staging, the costumes, the music, the dancing, the talent — this show is as vibrant, as vivid, and as fun as any I’ve seen.

I felt like a young Swiftie at a screening of the Eras Tour movie during the opening number. It was a struggle not to sing along. I know every word of “Arabian Nights” – and every other song from the 1992 movie – having listened to the soundtrack countless times on my boombox back in the day. The Broadway production incorporates favorites from the film, including “Friend Like Me” and “A Whole New World,” and introduces some soon-to-be favorites, like “High Adventure,” one of the many highlights from the second act.

There’s definitely a sense of nostalgia for middle-aged folks like me. In fact, I overheard a few theater-goers talking about it during intermission (and giddily watched a fellow middle-aged woman bounce along to music in the first act). If you’re looking to relieve the Disney magic of your younger years, this show will do the trick. There are familiar songs and familiar lines, and the same quick banter and wit that made the animated film such a hit with kids and adults alike. The incredible use of color in this production, from the costumes to the lighting and set design, coupled with lively and crisp choreography also tap into the appeal of the animated version.

My niece will assure you that younger theater-goers will enjoy this show too. She loved the dialogue as much as the dancing (I know, because she kept leaning over to tell me, with bright eyes, “I like this part” – and would then ask, “Did you write that down?”). Her favorite part was the magic carpet ride, which I agree was pretty spectacular. If there’s ever a reason for a 6-year-old to be out past their bedtime on a school night, this is it.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t make specific mention of this fabulously talented cast. They can sing, they can dance, and they can nail a punchline. Although Aladdin is the accused thief (cue my niece yelling, “He’s NOT a thief! He’s Aladdin!”), but it’s Genie, played by Marcus M. Martin, who steals the show. And I don’t think Disney fans would have it any other way.

This production gets four thumbs up — two from me and two from my niece.

★★★★★

Aladdin plays at Uihlein Hall at the Marcus Performing Arts Center (Milwaukee) and runs through October 22.

Wednesday – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday – 7:30 p.m.
Friday – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday – 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Sign Language Interpretation: October 21 at 2:00 pm

Aladdin runs 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission.

Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased at MarcusCenter.org

or Ticketmaster.com or by calling 414-273-7206 or visiting the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street, Milwaukee.