Casting

Aladdin is the title character and therefore carries most of the show. You'll want your most charming, best singing and best acting student for the role. He'll need the versatility to play the funny, slick prankster as well as the romantic lead.

Genie is the fast-talking, scene-stealing funny man. Your Genie doesn't need to be the strongest singer and dancer - the ability to do comedy is much more important. The comedic style of the animated Genie has carried over into this stage adaptation, but your actor shouldn't try to imitate the film. Cast a naturally funny actor that will make this character his or her own. If possible, casting a much smaller Genie than Aladdin will also make for a great sight gag.

Jasmine should be cast as feisty and rebellious, yet genuinely sweet and somewhat naïve. Do not fall into the trap of letting her be too wishy-washy, nor too much of a brat. Jasmine is a future leader with strong opinions on how things should be done, and the audience needs to see this side of her, as well as the side that Aladdin falls for.

Iago is another great comedy role. Like the Genie, he or she need not be the strongest singer, but comedic skills are a must. Iago has several sarcastic jibes and asides. Make sure to work with your actor to stay in character during his or her audience asides. Ideally, this character is not in a parrot costume. Iago should be costumed to suggest a parrot, but should bring human characteristics to Jafar's sidekick.

Jafar is our villain. In order to portray this through casting, consider a taller boy with a changed voice. His songs will not only be more effective, but a deeper voice will help convey Jafar's menace. However, Jafar should be more of a caricature of classic evil villains than someone really scary. Jafar and Iago also share some comic moments, so cast accordingly.

The Sultan should be able to play a father figure convincingly. Although a bit scattered, he needs to be able to portray love and care for Jasmine. Solo singing is not required for this role.

Your five Narrators can be any combination of boys and girls. All should be able to sing well and be able to speak clearly since they are responsible for setting scenes and advancing the plot. Comedic skills are a plus. Two of your Narrators may also be Magic Carpet puppeteers.

Razoul also need not be the strongest singer. Cast a student with good comedic skills who can carry a tune. Razoul should be played as highly incompetent - always making mistakes. Cast a student who can play the role a la The Three Stooges.

The Guards, including Razoul, need not be the strongest singers. Cast students with good comedic skills who can carry a tune. The Guards and Razoul should be played as highly incompetent - always making mistakes. Cast students who can play the roles a la The Three Stooges.

Your Ensemble consists of Townspeople, Shop Owners, a Baker, a Matron, Harem Girls, Visiting Princes, etc. They should be good actors who sing well, as they are featured in all of the production numbers. There are opportunities for many featured moments for your ensemble members.

The Magic Carpet works best when treated as a character in the show. Rather than a platform on wheels with no personality, having two actors puppeteer the carpet adds much more fun and creativity. Empower your two actors to work together to show how they would react emotionally to the action onstage. Details on how to create and manipulate the Magic Carpet follow in the "Props Suggestions" section.