Ladies and gentlemen, the original Broadway on Disney production of Aladdin will soon say goodbye the its original Genie. James Monroe Iglehart is out and his regular backup is in. Major Attaway will take over the role full-time beginning Tuesday, February 21, 2017. Major is the first actor to assume the role from original cast member James Monroe Iglehart. Major joined Aladdin in January 2016, marking his Broadway debut. Other principal cast members, including five of the show’s original stars, will continue with the production another year.
“Making my Broadway debut in Aladdin was an affirmation beyond imagining,” said Attaway. “To now be given the opportunity to tell this beloved story with this phenomenal Broadway cast every night is definitely a wish granted. I get to play a catalyst for joy and hope, and I’m really looking forward to moving into the lamp on a full-time basis; I’ve got some big Texan ideas for redecorating!”
Major Attaway (Genie). Broadway debut. An award-winning actor and singer, highlights from his regional theatre credits include Ragtime (Coalhouse Walker, Jr.), Big River (Jim), The Mikado (Hot Mikado), Hands on a Hardbody (Ronald McCowan), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II), Ain’t Misbehavin (Ken), Rent (Tom Collins), Stagger Lee (T-Bone) and Frosty the Snowman (Frosty). He has performed as a soloist with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, lent his voice talents to commercials, interactive voiceover projects including “Fairy Tale” (Arcadios), and the video game “Battleborn,” and appeared in the feature film Carter High.
James Monroe Iglehart will play his final performance in Aladdin on Sunday, February 19, 2017. You will soon be able to see Iglehart performing as Lafayette in the smash Broadway hit Hamilton. This role is a natural for Iglehart who is also known for his improvisational rapping style.
Good news for those who still have tickets to see Aladdin, five of Aladdin’s original stars, Tony Award nominee Jonathan Freeman (Jafar), Courtney Reed (Jasmine), Brian Gonzales (Babkak), Clifton Davis (Sultan) and Don Darryl Rivera (Iago), have extended their contracts with the production through February 18th, 2018. Also continuing in their principal roles on Broadway are Steel Burkhardt (Kassim), Brad Weinstock (Omar) and James Moye (standby Jafar/Sultan).
Beginning February 21, 2017, Deonté L. Warren, a new member of the Aladdin company, will stand by for Genie/Babkak.
Deonté L. Warren (Standby Genie/Babkak). Broadway debut! From Nashville, TN. Tour: Dreamgirls, Sister Act. Regional: Shrek and Tarzan at Arizona Broadway Theatre, Hairspray at ACCC and many others. Bachelor of Music (Belmont University).
We learned earlier today that Adam Jacobs was leaving the Broadway production of Aladdin, where he plays the title character, to join the Chicago version of the touring production of Aladdin.