Upcoming Broadway cast changes for Disney's Aladdin

The smash hit Disney musical approaches its sixth anniversary at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre.

Shining, shimmering, splendid news! Disney Theatrical has released details of upcoming principal cast changes for its smash hit Broadway musical Aladdin, as the show approaches its sixth anniversary at the New Amsterdam Theatre.

Ainsley Melham, star of the original Australian production of Aladdin, is set to return to the titular role on Broadway in March (with an exact date to be confirmed shortly). Current star Clinton Greenspan is scheduled to play his final performance as Aladdin on February 16, with Rodney Ingram re-joining the Broadway company for the interim period from February 17 until Melham's return.

In addition, Marina Pires is scheduled to make her Broadway debut, when she assumes the role of Jasmine from March 24 through May 31, 2020. Current star Arielle Jacobs is therefore set for her final performance in the role on March 22.

As previously reported, Michael James Scott, also an original star of the Australian production, will return as Genie from February 28.

The principal cast of Disney's Aladdin on Broadway currently includes Clinton Greenspan (as Aladdin), Arielle Jacobs (as Princess Jasmine), Major Attaway (as Genie), Tony Award nominee Jonathan Freeman (as Jafar), Don Darryl Rivera (as Iago), JC Montgomery (as Sultan), Brian Gonzales (as Babkak), Brad Weinstock (as Omar), and Mike Longo (as Kassim).

Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw, Aladdin features a book by 6-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin, music by Tony Award winner Alan Menken, and lyrics by the late 3-time Tony Award nominee Howard Ashman, 3-time Tony Award winner Tim Rice and Mr. Beguelin.

Synopsis: "The musical comedy tells the story of Aladdin, a street urchin who meets and falls in love with Princess Jasmine. However, Jasmine can only marry a prince, but all is not lost as Aladdin owns a magic lamp, and with the help of its Genie sets out to win the hand of his princess in marriage."

Based on the Academy Award-winning 1992 animated film, Aladdin officially opened on March 20, 2014, following previews from February 26.

The production went on to be nominated for five Tony Awards including "Best Musical," with original cast member James Monroe Iglehart taking home the award for "Best Featured Actor in a Musical" for his performance as Genie.

The creative team behind Aladdin features scenic design by Bob Crowley, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Natasha Katz, and sound design by Ken Travis.

​Aladdin is produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions.

Disney's Aladdin Tickets are available now for performances through August 9, 2020.

^{(Photos courtesy of Disney Theatrical)}