Michael Sanchez stars as the easygoing title character, the diamond-in-the-rough street rat who has to steal to eat and who falls for a mysterious girl who happens to be Princess Jasmine in disguise. Meagan Flint is the princess who is tired of her life, including her potential marriage, being predetermined for her. Together the two soar through A Whole New World for both of them, seated atop a flying carpet that flies above the stage as they sing their impressive duet, suspended above wispy clouds courtesy of the expert use of a fog machine, and the entire scene painted beautifully courtesy of the always-talented lighting designer Travis Russell.

And then there’s that other bringer of magic – the Genie with the light brown hair. “Ah! I’m bald!” Jeffrey Mull realizes to his mock shock as he runs his fingers over his blue head. Jeffrey is a super-charismatic physical comedian and hilarious Genie who adds countless bits of humor to the script, which we see from the beginning with the light brown hair. Then there’re his rules: “I can’t kill anyone, you violent teenager you, and I can’t bring anyone back from the dead, which isn’t really a rule – I just have a zombie phobia.” Or when getting ready to take off on the carpet, noting that “we realize you have your choice of air carriers…NOT! They’re all out of business!” Or when Aladdin’s double comes on stage before his transformation and Genie remarks, “I didn’t even recognize you at first. It’s like you’re a whole new person.” Or in describing what his one wish would be: “Freedom. That, or a slip-and-slide. Those things are awesome!”

Performed May 4 - 11, 2008.

Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre