Hello & welcome back to A Look at Disney and to the finale of Aladdin Week. Today, we are closing out by taking a look at soundtrack of Aladdin: A Music Spectacular. Much like Finding Nemo: The Musical on the East Coast, this is a stage adaption for the parks that can be found at Disney's California Adventure. And it is something that I've wanted to see ever since I first learned of this show. Now, you will notice some differences between this and the film such as the fact that Abu was cut from this production.
I will say that it is a bit jarring to hear a lady sing Arabian Nights. Not a complaint as she does a fine job with it but growing up with Bruce Adler singing it in the film, I am used to a male voice singing this. And also, you will notice that there are going to be a lot of instrumental pieces. I did go through and watch the play on YouTube and if memory serves, these pieces are from the beginning, specifically when our storyteller begins and when the thief who remains unnamed in this version enters the Cave of Wonders. That's another thing in the play, the story is being told on the way to Agrabah and it appears that it is just a storyteller and not a peddler like in the film. This role has been filled by both sexes.
I will say that I do like the look of the Cave in the production. They did a nice job of capturing the look of the Cave and as for the other instrumental pieces, they serve the story well and help with the mood and environment that is being set up.
Off You Go/The Mouth Closes
I really like this piece as it gives on sense of foreboding danger that is about to fall upon the thief that has just entered the cave and I like how it gets loud and in your face. Nicely done.
You Have Been Warned
This number continues on the trend of foreboding danger. Both the sound of this the title, remind me of those "Last Chance to Turn Back" signs you see in line for thrill rides to try and scare ya.
Aladdin Intro
Really, not too much to say here as it's just a short instrumental of One Jump Ahead. It's done well but that all it is.
One Jump Ahead
Let's see how they do with my favorite Aladdin song. It's not bad and you notice that the lyric that is usually, "Your'e my only fried Abu" has been changed to reflect that Al does not have any friends in the play as Abu was cut from play. The big thing, I noticed here and it almost makes this version seem a bit more realistic is that Aladdin constantly sounds out of breath while running from the palace guards. If there is one thing that I'm saddened by and this is something they also do with Prince Ali, they got rid of the unique voices that you heard in this number in film such as the fat lady that sings "Still, I think he's rather tasty". Here, it is just done in a normal voice and I feel the joke is lost without that voice but I like this number for what it is.
Princess of Agrabah
Not really, too much to say here. Just a short little piece that has all the trumpet fanfare that you'd expect when a royal was entering and this comes after Al and Jasmine meet. And they cut out, the whole doctor bit. Understandable and it still works.
Street Rat
I'm honestly not sure what to make of this piece. It's not bad and I like it but I can't tell, if this supposed to go with the guards calling Aladdin Street Rat or what. That is my guess but if that is the case, it needs more feeling of taunts.
Old Man
I like this piece better as it suits the scene better, it has a feeling of falseness to it and that is so very true as you see, this comes when Jafar and Aladdin meet for the first time. As you see in the show, Jafar saves Aladdin from the guards by pretending to be his father. So, the music in that sense works better because you know what you are seeing isn't the truth and the music seems to serve that idea wonderfully.
Go Now, Into The Cave
And we have returned to the Cave of Wonders and again, the Cave instrumentals have to be the best instrumentals from this show as they really capture the fear, excitement, and wonderment all contained within the Cave. And this towards the end, really captures the fear.
Carpet
This is a nice character piece that really aims to serve Carpet well. Speaking of Carpet in this show, was almost portrayed more like a pet then a friend like in the movie. Not that it was a bad take on Carpet, it was just odd. Carpet was very playful and almost acted like a dog. And this piece is again, a great companion piece for Carpet as it captures that fun and playful side.
Genie Up
I really like this one as you know it is building up to something big that is coming and we all know, what or who it is and he does not disappoint.
Friend Like Me
If there is any reason to see this show, it's the Genie. He steals the show and part of that comes from the fact that he is allowed to improvise his lines. So, while watching it, I heard jokes from the Genie making fun of Justin Bieber, Paula Deen, the Kardashians, and Taylor Swift. And they were all pretty funny, as a matter of fact, this video has some of his best jokes. As for this number, it is astounding, it is clear that they put a lot of effort into this number. This is clearly the big showstopper and my favorite part of the show especially when, the stage is full with Genies and it feels like something from a Vegas style show. My mind was blown at that. It was just to cool to see.
The Palace
This is an alright piece and you get the sense of a presence looming but really this and the next piece are kinda build up for Prince Ali.
Sultan's Fanfare
This piece reminds me a lot of The Princess of Agrabah but that isn't bad. It's just another introductory piece for the character
Prince Ali
Even though, I mentioned up top, that I'm a little disappointed that Genie doesn't do the voices, I still greatly enjoy this one and I couldn't make it out but I think during the video I watched, when they mentioned the camels, Genie compared Ke$ha to them. Ouch, I feel bad for the camels. Still, this number is a lot of fun and what I was really impressed by is that they have Ali on elephant ride through the audience.
Also, you may have noticed that they changed the camel line from "Careful, they spit" to "watch, where you step". This number does a great job of capturing the high energy that comes with this song.
Genie Free/Jafar Plots
I like how this one starts out happy and wistful as Genie is going to get what he wants but alas, towards the end, it becomes dark and brooding as Jafar looks for a way to stop Prince Ali.
To Be Free
It's interesting but this song was originally meant for the film. Now, lyrics were never written for the film version but you can find a instrumental of To Be Free on the film's soundtrack. The best way to look at this song is that it's Jasmine "I Want" song as she compares herself to the bird in the cage and how she feels trapped and wants to be free as the song suggests. Here's the instrumental from the film's soundtrack.
A Whole New World
This is a nice take on A Whole New World. It keeps that romantic feeling that you expect with this song and again, this number is rather dazzling. Especially, when seeing Aladdin and Jasmine fly on Carpet over the audience.
A Whole New World - Underscore
A nice short instrumental reprise of A Whole New World that carries the feeling of Aladdin being up in the clouds after his flight with Jasmine, went so well.
I'll Say
I can't recall, which scene this number takes place in but going by the score, I think this is a Jafar number. As it has a very villainous sound to it. Speaking of Jafar...
We Through Yet/Prince Ali (Reprise)
I must give this Jafar credit, he does a great job, taking it and making it his own and does not try to be Johnathan Freeman but he still keeps the theatrics and twisted nature of this reprise in tow.
Snake!
Yeah, you can probably figure when this score comes in. It's when Jafar turns into a snake and again continues on the trend of great scores that have a sense of looming danger. And the show, Jafar turns into a snake, not because Al calls him that but rather because Jafar says that the only way to deal with rats is with snakes. And I must admit, I was impressed by Snake Jafar.
He Has More Power
I kinda find that these two pieces go together. "Snake!" is the attack of Jafar, while "He Has More Power" as you can figure is when Jafar turns into a Genie and this is the following of Al defeating Jafar. The music goes that way as well, it starts out dark and sinister but ends heroically.
Father, I've Decided
This is a nice down to earth and quieter piece that soothes the mood and setting after the events that have just happened as Al and Jasmine profess their love for one another. And I think, if you listen closely, you can hear part of "To Be Free" in this number.
Celebration (Arabian Nights/To Be Free/A Whole New World)
And then the show ends with a Celebration that starts with instrumental reprises of both Arabian Nights and To Be Free and a sung reprise of A Whole New World, that is okay but I much the original. Sorry, this isn't the end as we still have the Curtain Call.
Curtain Call (One Jump Ahead/Prince Ali/To Be Free/Friend Like Me)
Our curtain call closes with reprise of One Jump Ahead, Prince Ali, To Be Free (boy, that sure like that song) and Friend Like Me. This is a great way to send the audience off as you send them off with the most fun songs from the show. Admittedly, To Be Free isn't a fun per se but it is the only new song for this show, so I get why they would push it so heavily but when compared to the other three songs used in this line-up, it kinda feels outta place. Still, this isn't a bad way to close out the show.
And thus, this closes out Aladdin Week. I hope that you guys have enjoyed this week. Peace!
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