Casting

Aladdin, a poor street urchin, longs to do the right thing, but sometimes loses his way. He's the thief with a heart of gold, so cast your most charismatic actor with the versatility to play both the playful prankster and caring lead. Make sure he has the vocal chops to carry this heavy- singing role.

Genie is the fun-loving, scene-stealing wisecracker who lives in the lamp and yearns to be free. Genie doesn’t need to be your strongest singer or dancer – look for an actor with great comic timing and a flashy and fun sense of showmanship.

Iago is the fawning and funny parrot and sidekick to Jafar. With only a few lyrics to sing, focus on finding an actor who can execute this lackey's many sarcastic asides with comedic flair.

Jafar is the power-hungry and crooked Royal Vizier. Cast a strong actor who can sing (or speak in rhythm) and portray both sides of Jafar's two- faced personality - loyal advisor to the Sultan and scheming villain - as well as pull off delicious comedic moments with his lackey Iago.

Jasmine, the Princess of Agrabah, longs to experience the world outside the palace walls. Curious and assertive, she knows what she wants and craves the freedom to create change and help the people of her kingdom. Cast a strong actor and singer who can portray both the caring lead and a young woman caught between her responsibilities to her people and to herself.

The Lamp Salesman is a likeable fast-talking vendor who serves as the principal storyteller in our show. The student playing this role should be comfortable onstage and have a clear speaking voice. Since this is not a major singing role, it is ideal for a strong actor still developing his or her singing skills.

Sultan, the warm-hearted ruler who dotes on his daughter, is committed to upholding the ancient laws of Agrabah. Focus on finding an actor who can play this father figure convincingly.

The Ensemble includes Djinn, magical theatrical spirits of the lamp; Agrabahns, citizens of Agrabah; palace Guards; hungry Beggars in the marketplace; Skeletons of past prisoner of the royal dungeon; and Prince Ali's Entourage.

Djinn are the spirits of the lamp who help execute the magic of the story and sing with Genie in "Friend Like Me." Look for performers with a sense of theatricality and movement - you may choose to use them as featured dancers in "Friend Like Me."

Agrabahns, the citizens of Agrabah who help to create the bustling marketplace, can include street performers, snake charmers, shoppers, fortune tellers, and families.

Guards follow Jafar's orders. While there are only four solo singing roles, feel free to include as many additional guards as you like in your production.

Beggars are a small group with whom Aladdin briefly interacts and who sing one lyric as a group; feel free to cast as many or as few as best suits your production.

The Skeletons of past prisoners come to life in the palace's dungeon to sing the "Dungeon Ditty." For this group, look for performers who can both move and sing well. 

The Entourage helps to create the spectacular parade of "Prince Ali" through the royal palace.

Bread Vendor is an aggravated seller in the marketplace from whom Aladdin steals.

Fruit Vendor is a friendly merchant in the marketplace.

Prince Abdullah, Prince Hassim, and Prince Malik are the royal suitors who aspire to marry Jasmine. These pompous princes are more interested in becoming Sultan than getting to know the Princess, so cast three actors who can humorously convey different levels of clichéd coolness.

Prince Abdullah, Prince Hassim, and Prince Malik are the royal suitors who aspire to marry Jasmine. These pompous princes are more interested in becoming Sultan than getting to know the Princess, so cast three actors who can humorously convey different levels of clichéd coolness.

Prince Abdullah, Prince Hassim, and Prince Malik are the royal suitors who aspire to marry Jasmine. These pompous princes are more interested in becoming Sultan than getting to know the Princess, so cast three actors who can humorously convey different levels of clichéd coolness.

The Cave Guardian is the ominous guard who instructs Aladdin to touch only the lamp. You may choose to cast this role as an onstage character or as an offstage voice.

Avis, a magical flying carpet, can be approached in a number of ways (see Director's Guide for costuming ideas) - either presented more literally as a carpet or, more expressionistically as a dancer who works with a stretch of fabric or dons a creative costume. Regardless of your vision for this character, Avis doesn't speak, so look for a performer who can articulate storytelling through both facial expressions and movement.