The 'Aladdin' stage musical turns 10 this month. Here are the magical stories of three Genies
The Broadway musical “Aladdin” is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and the Genies who have led it on tour and on Broadway are looking back
By MARK KENNEDY
Published - Mar 21, 2024, 09:11 AM ET
Last Updated - Mar 21, 2024, 09:11 AM EDT
NEW YORK (AP) — James Monroe Iglehart’s mom took him to see the animated Disney movie “Aladdin” as a high-school graduation gift in 1992. He fell in love with the Genie, naturally.
Fast-forward more than two decades and Iglehart found himself playing the first Genie on Broadway, killing it, and on his way to a Tony Award.
“To play the role that I loved so much and be able to be my full, silly self with the volume at 20 to 25 and go crazy was just so cathartic,” he says.
“Aladdin” turns 10 this month and it has done more than become Broadway's go-to for young people experiencing their first musical. It has also become an incubator for Black actors like Iglehart leading a big Disney musical with joy and humor.
