Pictured: Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) and Courtney Reed (Princess Jasmine). (Credit: Deen Van Meer)
I then went to check out Aladdin and I have to say this show was hands down my absolute favorite!
The set was absolutely stunning. The music and singing was incredible. I felt like I was on a magic carpet ride during the entire show. I also got a chance to chat with “Jafar” who is played by Jonathan Freeman and Courtney Reed who plays “Princess Jasmine”.
What are your favorite songs to perform?
Courtney: I would have to say “A Whole New World”. It’s funny for me because I’ve never seen it. I can only hear it. It’s one of the big numbers I’m not in. When I hear the audience gasp and then people can’t hold themselves back when the carpet takes off–they just start applauding.
Jonathan: When I first saw the magic carpet scene it took my breath away. I shed a tear too. I’ve been in the business a long time and it moved me. That being said, I love listening to Adam (who plays Aladdin) sing “Proud Of Your Boy”. I’m fortunate to have to walk onto stage to play a scene after that (lol).
What inspired the set?
Courtney: Our creative team and producers of this went to Morocco and studied–photographed, looked at the fabrics and tried to get a feel for what it actually looks like so I think that’s incredible that they did that. A lot of the fabrics are from all across the world. I think they did such a good job aesthetically trying to recreate that.
Jonathan: It’s lavish. It makes you want to be there. It’s interesting how our creative team called all these different cultures to come up with what you see every night and people are having a strong reaction to.
How has this role made you grow?
Jonathan: Well I have a long connection to this. I played the part in the film. I’ve been connected to this project for 25 years. I’ve learned how to manage my energy and make it through 8 shows a week.
Courtney: This role has been pretty life changing for me. For my career absolutely, I’ve learned so many lessons. How to walk a red carpet, how to calm your nerves on opening night or how to get past critics. This was my first time developing a character from the more beginning stage. I feel like when I leave I will be completely devastated because I have invested so much of my life. And I think gosh, will I ever be as happy as I am now because I’m so fulfilled in my life and my career has a lot to do with it. But the character has taught me confidence. For sure. She’s such a confident person and she leads with so much grace. And I think, if we all could be like Princess Jasmine we’d all be nailing it!
Did you know what life would be like playing Princess Jasmine?
Courtney: No. You know when you’re living it, it’s hard to know the impact you have. I had an interaction with a little girl the other day. She started hugging me, she said she asked the Genie if she could meet me and it came true. It was so cute.
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