Overview
Synopsis
Disney's Aladdin brings the famous animated film to life, on stage. In Agrabah, City of Enchantment, every beggar has a story and every camel has a tail! Aladdin, a kind but wily street urchin, falls in love with the beautiful Princess Jasmine, whom he knows is waaaaay out of his league. It just so happens, however, that the Sultan has declared Princess Jasmine must choose a husband. After she turns down the offers from various wealthy suitors, Aladdin -- with the help of a fast-talking, magical Genie -- introduces himself as wealthy suitor Prince Ali Ababwa. Meanwhile, evil royal advisor Jafar also has his sights set on the kingdom, and tries to convince the Sultan to force Jasmine to wed him. Will love conquer all? Perhaps - if love has a little help from a Genie.
Show Information
Context
Based on the original 1992 animated film of the same name, Aladdin opened on Broadway in 2014 and has since become the 7th highest-grossing Broadway production of all time. It has thus far been viewed by more than 15 million people in New York and been produced all over the world in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Spain, and Australia to name a few.
The lyrics to the original film's songs were written by the late Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, with composer Alan
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Act One
The show opens with a narrator welcoming everyone to Agrabah: a city full of life, magic, and glamor. The narrator explains that Agrabah is most famous for its magic lamp and its diverse set of characters; villains, princesses, and street rats alike (“Arabian Nights”).
Soon after, we meet Aladdin, a young misfit who steals food from the marketplace to survive with his friends Kassim, Omar, and Babkak (“One Jump Ahead”). They are quick witted and clever, easily evading the guards.
to read the plot for Aladdin and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
Showing 8 of 10 characters
Interactive Character Map
Visualize how the characters in Aladdin connect and drive the story.
Understand the relationships that shape the story of Aladdin
- See how characters connect at a glance
- Explore alliances, conflicts, and dynamics
- Dive deeper into each role
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Aladdin.
Showing 8 of 40 portrayals
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Songs
Showing 8 of 18 songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
THEMES
Self-Worth vs. Social Status
A central engine of the musical is the tension between internal character and external perception. Aladdin struggles under the label of "street rat," believing he must transform into Prince Ali to be worthy of Jasmine's love and the respect of Agrabah. Similarly, Jasmine feels reduced to a prize to be married off rather than a capable future leader. The story highlights that worth is defined by integrity, courage, and truthfulness rather than
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Directorial Vision
Staging Aladdin requires balancing a larger-than-life spectacle with the grounded emotional core of a classic buddy comedy and romance. At its heart, the show explores identity versus expectation: virtually every primary character feels trapped in a prescribed role. Aladdin feels trapped by his poverty and reputation, Jasmine by her royal privilege, and Genie by literally thousands of years of servitude.
A successful production focuses on this shared desire for self-determination rather than letting the technical effects overshadow the story. Lean into the musical’s deliberate homage to classic vaudeville and golden-age musical comedy. Embracing a crisp, highly theatrical style—where the humor is broad, the choreography is athletic, and the presentational theatricality is celebrated—keeps the show buoyant and emotionally resonant without requiring a
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Big Question
What does it truly mean to be free, and can a person achieve authentic freedom while keeping up a false identity?
Discussion Questions
- In the opening number "Arabian Nights," the audience is introduced to Agrabah as a place of magic, chaos, and contrast. How does the stage setting establish the social division between wealthy royalty and impoverished street dwellers from the very beginning?
- Aladdin describes himself as a "street rat," yet he constantly dreams of a better life. How do his three companions—Babkak, Omar, and Kassim—reflect different responses to surviving in Agrabah compared to Aladdin’s own ambitions?
- Princess Jasmine rejects her suitors not just because she wants to marry for love, but because she desires agency over her own life. In what ways does her struggle against the ancient marriage law parallel Aladdin's struggle against his low social class?
- The Genie is one of the most powerful beings in the universe, yet he is literally bound to serve whoever holds his lamp. How does his comic facade mask his deeper desire for liberation, and how does his idea of freedom differ from Aladdin’s?
- Jafar relies on manipulation, deception, and dark magic to achieve power, whereas Aladdin relies on charm and a magical disguise. How do their contrasting methods of climbing the social ladder highlight the show's moral boundaries?
- During "Prince Ali," Aladdin adopts a grand persona to impress the Sultan and win Jasmine's hand. Why does he feel he must construct a completely fake identity to be worthy of love, and what does this say about the pressures of royal society?
- Iago serves as Jafar’s loyal accomplice, adding a layer of comedic villainy to the story. How does his dynamic with Jafar mirror—or distort—the loyal friendship between Aladdin and his three street companions?
- When Jasmine realizes "Prince Ali" is actually the young man she met in the marketplace, her sense of trust is broken. Is Aladdin's deceit entirely selfish, or was it a understandable reaction to the strict rigid rules of Agrabah's hierarchy?
- At the climax of the musical, Aladdin must choose between using his final wish to secure his own status as a prince or keeping his promise to set the Genie free. What does this decision reveal about how his character has matured over the course of the story?
- The Sultan undergoes a shift in perspective regarding the law and his daughter's future. What forces finally convince him to challenge long-standing tradition in favor of personal character and love?
- Throughout the show, characters use disguises, titles, and illusions to navigate their world. Ultimately, which character displays the most authentic sense of self, and why?
- Aladdin and Jasmine both feel trapped by the expectations and restrictions of their respective lives. Think of a time when you felt limited by rules, social expectations, or circumstances beyond your control—how did you try to find your own sense of independence?
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
The art of designing and arranging movement sequences for theatrical dance and physical storytelling.
A group of performers who comment on the action, originating in Ancient Greek theatre.
A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.
A genre of story involving magical and fantastical elements, sometimes adapted for theatrical performance.
An “I Want Song” is a number, usually placed early in a musical, where a main character expresses their deepest desire or ambition. This song sets the character’s journey in motion and gives the audience a clear emotional stake in the story. It has become one of the most recognizable and enduring conventions of musical theatre structure.
A form of government often portrayed in historical plays to explore lineage, power, betrayal, and class structures.
A running gag is a comedic device where a particular joke, situation, or character trait is repeated several times throughout a performance. Each recurrence builds familiarity, so the humor often increases as the audience begins to anticipate the repetition. For example, a character might always trip when entering a room or constantly forget names, creating laughter through expectation and variation.
Spectacle refers to the visual elements of a production that create wonder and excitement through design, movement, or scale. This might include elaborate costumes, dazzling choreography, special effects, or impressive sets. Spectacle often heightens the theatrical experience by leaving audiences with vivid visual impressions alongside the story and music.
A production created to showcase the talents of a specific star performer, often tailored to their strengths.
A sentimental ballad about unrequited love, often featured in musicals or cabaret performances.
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Guide Written By:
Mychele Lebrun
Canadian music theatre artist currently based in London, England.
