Casting
Character Breakdown
Aladdin, a poor street urchin, longs to make his mother proud, but sometimes loses his way. He’s the thief with a heart of gold, so cast your most charismatic actor with the versatility to play both the playful prankster and romantic lead. Make sure he has the vocal chops to carry this heavy- singing role., a poor street urchin, longs to make his mother proud, but sometimes loses his way. He’s the thief with a heart of gold, so cast your most charismatic actor with the versatility to play both the playful prankster and romantic lead. Make sure he has the vocal chops to carry this heavy- singing role.
Babkak, Omar, and Kassim are Aladdin’s three loyal and playful pals. Babkak is the Agrabahn foodie who loves to snack, kindhearted Omar has a sensitive soul, and stubborn Kassim yearns to be a leader. When auditioning, have your potential pals read together to get a sense of their chemistry – they should be a truly tight-knit trio of strong singers and actors.
Genie is the fast-talking, fun-loving, scene- stealing wisecracker who lives in the lamp and yearns to be free. Genie doesn’t need to be your strongest singer or dancer – look for an actor with great comic timing and a flashy and fun sense of showmanship.
Iago is the fawning and funny sidekick to Jafar. With only one lyric to sing, focus on finding an actor who can execute this lackey’s many sarcastic asides with comedic flair.
Isir, Manal, and Rajah, Jasmine’s devoted attendants, keep the Princess grounded with their honesty and openness. Isir, whose name means “inspiration,” is optimistic; Manal, “achievement,” is assertively encouraging; and Rajah, “hope,” is the most protective. As with Aladdin’s three pals, audition potential attendants together to get a sense of their chemistry, but above all, cast strong singers who can pull off “These Palace Walls” with aplomb.
Jafar is the power-hungry and crooked Grand Vizier. Cast a strong actor who can sing and portray both sides of Jafar’s two-faced personality – loyal advisor to the Sultan and scheming villain – as well as pull off delicious comedic moments with his lackey, Iago.
Jasmine, the Princess of Agrabah, longs to experience the world outside the palace walls. Curious and assertive, she knows what she wants and craves the freedom to make her own choices. Cast a strong actor and singer who can portray both the romantic lead and a young woman caught between her responsibilities to her people and to herself.
Sultan, the warm-hearted ruler who dotes on his daugther, is committed to upholding the ancient laws of Agrabah. With only a single lyric to sing, focus on casting an actor who can play this father figure convincingly.
Agrabahns are the citizens of Agrabah who help to create the bustling marketplace – merchants, shoppers, beggars, guards, etc. Included in this ensemble are the following featured roles:
• The Beggars (3) are a small group with whom Aladdin briefly interacts. Feel free to cast more beggars than the three who have scripted lines.
• The Apple Vendor is a merchant who reviles the beggars and from whom Jasmine unintentionally steals an apple.
• The Fortune Teller unwittingly helps Aladdin escape the guards in “One Jump Ahead.”
• The Shop Owner is a marketplace vendor from whom Aladdin steals bread.
• Razoul, the rough and commanding head of the palace guards, answers to Jafar. Cast a performer who can portray an intimidating leader.
• The Guards (2) follow Razoul’s orders. While there are only two speaking roles, feel free to include as many additional guards as you like in your production, who can help Razoul defend the palace during “High Adventure.”
Prince Abdullah is one of Princess Jasmine’s haughty and arrogant suitors.
The Attendants (2) accompany Prince Abdullah on his journey to Agrabah.
The mysterious Spooky Voice, conjured by Jafar, reveals the location of the lamp. This voice can be recorded, come from offstage, or with creative staging, come from an ensemble performer onstage.
The Cave of Wonders is the ominous voice that instructs Aladdin to fetch only the lamp from the treasures within. This voice can be created in a variety of ways, much like the Spooky Voice.
The Ensemble in “Friend Like Me” is conjured by Genie to help wow Aladdin by singing, dancing, and assisting in performing fun and fabulous magic tricks.
The Entourage, led by Aladdin’s three pals, helps to create the visually spectacular parade through the palace in “Prince Ali.”