It seems that the Broadway producers of the Disney Theatrical smash-hit musical comedy Aladdin have got their sights set on the West End’s Dominion Theatre as the possible home for the London transfer.
For months now, rumours have been flying back and forth about possible venues for the hit musical. For a while it seemed that The London Palladium would be the theatre of choice for the Disney screen-to-stage production, but it appears that talks are underway with Andrew Lloyd Webber and the possibly of bringing Cats back to the iconic West End venue, after it completes its hugely successful run there at the end of April 2015.
Word on the theatrical grapevine is that Disney Theatrical Production executives wanted the Prince Edward Theatre, but the ever-popular new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Miss Saigon has taken up permanent residency at the theatre, and if the ticket sales are anything to go by, Miss Saigon will be around for quite some time to come.
The Dominion Theatre is currently home to Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games and is due to welcome Elf the Musical from 24 October 2015, running throughout the festive season. Then, if the rumours are to be believed, Aladdin will transfer to the Dominion Theatre in early 2016. However, rival Broadway production, Motown the Musical is also on the hunt for a West End theatre, and could prove tough competition for the new Disney musical.
Aladdin features music by classic Disney composer and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken. This legend of musical theatre is also the brains behind shows such as Newsies, Sister Act and Beauty and the Beast. Lyrics are by Howard Ashman, Chad Bequelin and Sir Tim Rice. Aladdin contains the now iconic songs ‘A Whole New World’, ‘Arabian Nights’ and ‘Friend Like Me’. The production is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw.
Look out for more news on Aladdin coming soon…
Not one but two West End leading ladies have been cast in the upcoming musical version of Mrs Henderson Presents. Emma Williams and Janie Dee will lead the cast when the production opens at Bath Theatre Royal from 14 August 2015, before a scheduled transfer to the West End.