Aladdin the Musical

About Aladdin the Musical

Aladdin the Musical runs at the New Amsterdam Theatre at 214 W 42nd St, right in the middle of Times Square's theater district in New York, USA. It's the Disney stage adaptation of the 1992 animated film, with the familiar story of a street kid, a trapped genie, and three wishes, built out into a full Broadway production. The show opened on Broadway in 2014 and has been running there ever since, which makes it one of the more established long-running titles you can book in the district.

The draw here is spectacle. The score keeps the songs most people already know, including "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me," and adds numbers written for the stage. The magic-carpet sequence, done as a flying effect, and the Cave of Wonders set with its gold and lighting are the moments the production is best known for. The Genie's role is written as a big comic turn and tends to carry much of the show. Running time is usually around two and a half hours including one intermission, though it's worth checking the current schedule when you book.

The New Amsterdam is one of the oldest theaters on 42nd Street and is worth a look in its own right for the restored early-1900s interior. Seats run from the orchestra up through the mezzanine and balcony, and sightlines are generally good across the house, so a cheaper seat higher up is a reasonable trade. The theater sits a short walk from the subway lines that feed Times Square, and plenty of places to eat are within a couple of blocks. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes early gives you time to clear the bag check and find your seat without rushing.