Aladdin Welcomes New Principals to Broadway

Three new principals joined the Broadway cast of Aladdin last night at the New Amsterdam Theatre, and the company gave them a warm welcome for their opening-night curtain call.

Original Australian star Ainsley Melham assumed the title role in his Broadway and North American theatrical debut. He is joined by Michael James Scott, an original Broadway company member who originated the role of Genie in Australia and comes directly from playing it on the North American tour, as well as Mike Longo, who steps into the role of Kassim.

The current Broadway cast also features Arielle Jacobs as Jasmine, Jonathan Freeman as Jafar, Brian Gonzales as Babkak, J.C. Montgomery as the Sultan, Don Darryl Rivera as Iago, and Brad Weinstock as Omar.

Based on the 1992 Disney animated film, Aladdin opened on Broadway on March 20, 2014. With a score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice with songs such as "Friend Like Me" and the Academy Award-winning "A Whole New World," the show features a new book and additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin.