The incredible new Broadway musical Aladdin had its Australian premiere earlier this month at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre – and we absolutely loved it. We wanted to learn a bit more about the show, so we caught up with our Genie – Michael James Scott – who comes out of the original Broadway production, to learn more about his take on the iconic character, the show-stopping performance in “Friend Like Me”, any differences we can expect from the Broadway original, whether or not he likes Tim Tams and much more…
Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Michael. You’re the “veteran” of the cast, so to speak and we’re excited to have you here as part of the Australian shows. From a production point of view, are there any notable differences from the Broadway production to the Capitol Theatre production?
The production that is here in Sydney is the same Broadway production I had the honor of being part of with the original. The only differences are some of the Aussie references tailored for our awesome Australian audience.
Indeed, you’ve been able to incorporate some local Australian flair into proceedings. Without giving too much away… what do you really think of Vegemite and Tim Tams?
The Vegemite is definitely an acquired taste, but apparently my cast mates have told me I haven’t eaten it quite right yet, so I need to try it the way they’ve suggested to really have the full Vegemite experience. The Tim Tams are another story. I’m OBSESSED with them, specifically the dark chocolate ones!!!!
Do you notice any differences between the audiences here and back at home?
There aren’t a lot of differences between the Aussie audience and back home in New York City, to be honest. I would say that in the beginning of the show the Aussie audience is a little more reserved, but as the show progresses they really respond to the excitement of it all and it feels just like home. The size of the audience is also a big difference, in New York City the Broadway houses aren’t that big, they are much more intimate, so the size of the Theatre here is much bigger, so it’s pretty incredible and sometime overwhelming when you hear the audience excitement with a big audience like we’ve been having at the Capitol Theatre.
How is Australia treating you in general?
From the minute I arrived I could feel a shift in such a beautiful way. The people are so friendly that warm welcome that so many people told me about before coming was very clear as soon as I arrived!!! It’s been incredible to be here, coming to Australia has been on my must visit list for quite some time, so to be working here with this amazing show is truly a dream. I have a list of everything I want to do and it’s quite extensive, so now that we are open I will be checking it off a little every week that I am here.
How do you feel you’ve left your mark on this iconic character?
I’ve taken inspiration from so many people in my life and people who’ve I’ve admired for years to make up who my Genie is. The creative team of Aladdin, starting with our director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw from the very beginning allowed me to play and have fun and bring myself to the role.
Of course, to step into the shoes of this iconic role created by the great Robin Williams is quite a task, but the exciting thing is that the foundation is still there, but I’ve really gotten to put my ‘thing’ onto it. I started my career in more of a dance place and some of biggest influences have been from the greats like Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and my mentor Ben Vereen. To be able to put the song and dance man element to the role is something I’m extremely proud of, along with all the other fun kid like and comedic flair the role demands.
The technical detail behind this show is extraordinary – from quick on stage costume changes to pyrotechnics and one of the biggest stage numbers of all time in “Friend Like Me”. Is there anything in that number, or in the show in general, that is particularly challenging as a performer?
As much as you can prepare for a number like “Friend Like Me” there’s nothing that can prepare you for the intensity of what it is. The most challenging thing is figuring out where you can pace yourself and breathe. Once you can figure those places out you can really enjoy the excitement of that incredible production number.
What’s your earliest memory of the iconic Disney film?
My earliest memories of Aladdin the movie was in dance class doing my first tap solo to “Friend Like Me.” I’m from Orlando, Florida, land of Disney world, so it’s been part of my life for a very long time, it’s such a full circle moment to be able to do this as an adult.
What do you hope people take away from their experience at the show?
I hope that people take away the beautiful heart this show has. Of course the magic and fantasy and laughter is a given, but I’m extremely proud of the heart this cast brings to this production. Right now in the world, I think a show like this is so important for people to go and laugh and remember amazing memories from the film or even be introduced to the show for the first time and they can be transported into this gorgeous world or wonder and beauty and be able to laugh and feel something positive in our world today.
Aladdin is currently enjoying performances at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, where it will play until November 20, 2016. For tickets and more details head HERE.
With thanks to Kara Bertoncini for her contribution to this article series.
Photo Credit: Deen van Meer
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