Review: Disney's 'Aladdin' soars in splendid movie adaptation

Disney’s “Aladdin,” now on stage at Kravis Center, is a magical fairy tale that comes to life, an extravaganza full of glitz and glam sure to captivate the entire family. It's the perfect treat for the holiday season.

Based on Disney’s 1992 animated film, and set in the ancient city of Agrabah, the titular hero, Aladdin (Adi Roy), is a clever, big-hearted thief trying to change his life. Jasmine (Senzel Ahmady) is an intelligent, headstrong princess determined to marry for love and rule the kingdom as her husband’s equal, even though custom dictates women be subservient to men. They meet at the marketplace and share an adventure, though their budding relationship is forbidden because Aladdin is not a prince. But when Aladdin comes into possession of a magic lamp containing a powerful Genie (Marcus M. Martin), he uses his three wishes to win over Jasmine.

Roy and Ahmady have terrific chemistry and both get a big solo in the first act that showcases their vocal prowess and explains their personal plight. Their best scene is their duet of “A Whole New World” performed while soaring above the stage on a magic carpet. The beloved ballad comes to life, with the staging illustrating the lyrics in an enchanting spectacle.

Martin uses his deep, resonant voice to great effect and is a marvel as Genie. Flamboyant, charismatic and hilarious, Martin steals every scene he’s in, and his big number with Roy, “Friend Like Me” is a glittery, gloriously over-the-top showstopper.

Anand Nagraj plays Jafar with evil panache and possesses a great villainous voice and laugh. Aaron Choi embodies Jafar’s toady sidekick Iago.

Alan Menken’s score is pure Broadway, with a swing-meets-Middle-East flavor. The lyrics, by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin, are clever and fun. Beguelin’s book is full of humor and anachronisms, especially with the Genie’s dialogue. “Aladdin” may be a fairy tale for children but there are plenty of references only grownups will get.

The design work is stunning. In some musicals, the scenic design feels like just a backdrop for the story, but in “Aladdin,” it’s a main character. Lighting designer Natasha Katz saturates the stage with rich, sultry colors. The costumes, by Gregg Barnes, are vibrant and full of sparkle — Jasmine’s attire make her look like a life-size, dazzling jewel. Daniel Brodie’s projections are crisp and intricate.

Bravo to special effects designer Jeremy Chernick, as well as Jim Steinmeyer and Rob Lake, credited for their illusion design, and whoever else was involved in making that magic carpet fly. Thanks to them, and the talents of Roy and Ahmady, the “A Whole New World” scene is pure romance.

If you have three wishes this holiday season, using one of them to see “Aladdin” would be a wish well spent.

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IF YOU GO

“Aladdin” runs through Dec. 23, at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For tickets and information, call 561-832-7469 or visit KravisCenter.org.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Review: 'Aladdin' is a 'whole new world' worth visiting