Disney’s Aladdin Lands a Magic Carpet on Broadway as Mary Poppins Flies Out

Inspired by P.L. Travers’ children’s books and the 1965 Disney film, Mary Poppins, which opened in November 2006, will have played over 2,600 performances by the time of its closure. Produced by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, the musical features a book by Downton Abbey Emmy winner Julian Fellowes and uses the original film score by Robert and Richard Sherman, augmented by new songs written by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

Aladdin, based on the 1992 animated film of the same name, debuted at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater in 2011, followed by a summer 2012 production at St. Louis’ Muny. It features a score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, with a book and additional lyrics by Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer).

Aladdin continues Disney’s transfer of animated films to stage, preceded by The Little Mermaid, Tarzan, Beauty and the Beast, and long-runner The Lion King, in addition to Poppins.

UPDATE: Tuesday, January 8

Disney Theatrical Productions and Cameron Mackintosh have confirmed that the Broadway production of Mary Poppins will conclude its run at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Sunday, March 3. By the time the musical closes, it will have grossed over $300 million and played 2,619 performances. The future tenant of the New Amsterdam Theatre has not yet been announced.