Sunday, May 6, 2018

DISNEY ALADDIN @ Key Bank State Theatre/PlayHouseSquare

DISNEY ALADDIN 
May 2-27, 2018
216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman


In much the same way tabbies are attracted to shiny things and rendered dopey by a hit of catnip, audiences will be drawn to and stupefied by the supersaturated stagecraft of Disney’s “Aladdin.”  

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here or ww.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko


“Aladdin” is a charming, well produced, escapist musical that gets a fine production.  It’s a must see family-friendly show that should be enjoyed by everyone.

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

The national tour of "Aladdin" delights and dazzles, a magnificent example of classic Broadway entertainment at its best that appeals to all ages.  The Disney musical, at Playhouse Square’s State Theatre, is one of the most visually spectacular national tours I’ve ever seen, with stunning Arabian-style costumes in saturated colors by Gregg Barnes, exotic-looking sets by Bob Crowley and exhilarating stage magic.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Howard Gollop


What else could a stage adaptation of an animated Disney hit be other than eye-rollingly bland and jaw-droppingly extravagant? Yes, it’s all there: Infectious music by Alan Menken with a decided nod to Tin Pan Alley and the Cotton Club of the 1940s; richly hued mercurial sets by Bob Crowley that flip from exotic Arabian streetscapes to a dazzlingly jeweled cave; endless slinky, glittery and revealing costumes (in the G-rated realm); and a flying carpet that actually appears to be a flying carpet.
 
Christine Howey

The Disney production of the musical Aladdin, now at Playhouse Square, has two song scenes that are so jaw-dropping, they don’t just stop this show, they may accidentally be stopping other shows in the area, 

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at Cleveland Scene

Laura Kennelly

BOTTOM LINE: This light and happy show doesn’t break any new musical theater ground, but it’s perfectly suited for spring, flowers, and happy thoughts. On opening night, children made up much of the audience and their reactions and responses to the show were wonderful, both joyous and very immersed in the story. 

To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Andrea Simakis

"Aladdin" is a visual feast fit for a sultan, a glorious example of what we mean when we say "Broadway magic."

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.