Aladdin: The Musical DVD

Plays in Region 4 DVD Player

Produced by the Disney Channel in 1990 as part of it’s Christmas programming, this musical version of ALADDIN pre-dated the eventual animated movie by two years. It’s based on a popular stage production by the Prince Street Players, with music by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy; and book and lyrics by Eiler. This version of the fairytale restores the locale to it’s original Chinese roots, with Aladdin (played with youthful zest by Brent Sudduth) discovering the lamp with the help of a scheming old magician (Richard Kiley), who aims to exploit it’s magic for his own ends. The lamp contains a Genie (a most charming Barry Bostwick) who bestows upon Aladdin the riches he requires in order to marry lovely Princess Mei-Ling (Susan Egan). This TV movie virtually screams “Broadway Musical”, for not only do we get seasoned musical theatre vets Richard Kiley, Barry Bostwick and Susan Egan amongst the principals, but also dance dynamo Donna McKechnie, who all but steals the show with a fun turn as Fatima, the dancing doll. Directed with flair by former “Monkee” Micky Dolenz, ALADDIN will appeal to musical lovers, who’ll be charmed by it’s attractive score (“Fly My Kite”, “A Lovely Day in China”, “Up Up High”, “Tea Time”) and the overall design of the piece stays true to it’s musical theater origin.