“We are thrilled to bring the incredible production of Disney’s Aladdin to Sarasota. The magic carpet will fly across the Van Wezel stage. The costumes are stunning, and the audience will love the high-energy and comic brilliance of the beloved Genie,” says Mary Bensel, the executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. “He steals the show with acts like Friend Like Me, Prince Ali and the all-new song called Somebody’s Got Your Back. It’s a full-blown Disney spectacular that everyone will enjoy.” From the producer of The Lion King, this hit Broadway musical tells the timeless story of Aladdin—in a thrilling production filled with beauty, magic and comedy. Aladdin features new music written by Tony and Academy Award winner Alan Menken (Newsies), with lyrics penned by Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast), Tony Award winner Tim Rice (The Lion King) and book writer Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer). The musical is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon) and features sets, costumes and lighting from Tony Award winners Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins), Gregg Barnes (Kinky Boots) and Natasha Katz (An American in Paris).

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, January 24-29, 2023, vanwezel.org. Credits: Disney’s Aladdin at Van Wezel Performing Arts,