Follow Michael James Scott as he navigates a two-show day as the Genie in the Broadway production of Disney's Aladdin. Scott joined the cast in February, taking on the role previously played by Deonte L. Warren, Major Attaway, Juwan Crawley, and James Monroe Iglehart, who originated the role on Broadway.
As a special bonus, Scott happened to document a day on which he rehearsed for the special fifth anniversary post-show performance with his fellow Genies!
Based on the 1992 animated film, the Disney musical tells the story of a street-smart commoner whose whole life changes when he meets a magical genie who can grant him three wishes. Directed and choreographed Casey Nicholaw, the musical was nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Musical, with Iglehart winning for Best Featured Actor in a musical.
Hydration Station…. Looking out and gazing at a two show day. My day starts with drinking lots of water. It’s the basics that keep you healthy in an eight show week schedule (SLEEP & WATER)
It’s a grooming day. Every other day I do a full shave of the face and head. The head so that the Genie glitter can shine really bright and the face because a shaved head and goatee is actually part of the official look for the Genie….. meaning it’s part of my job to maintain that look for the role!
One of my favorite times is at the start of the day when it’s my chill time. I usually watch The View, Wendy Williams and the Food Network… what you don’t see me holding my phone checking all my news outlets and social media outlets… gotta get my news/pop culture in!!
No start of my day is complete without a visit to my FIERCE local coffee shop Devocíon for an iced latte!!!
Time to get my grub on!! Today before my first show, I’m having brunch with my very dear friend Anne.
I made it to my matinee. It’s time to sign in and check the call board for any information needed for the day. When you arrive to the theatre all the actors have to sign in on the call board so that stage management know you are in the building. This is also where you can sign up for Physical Therapy, read for any news of the show including if anyone is out of the show. It’s the news head quarters of Agrabah!
At about 50 minutes before showtime, my pre-show preparations begin. The lovely Rich Fabris from the hair department along, with the sound, helps with get my mic on. Fun Genie fact …. I have 2 microphones in my goatee…. then the cord is taped down and make-up is applied so you don’t see it. A little Disney Magic right there!!
Always a treat with a pre-show dressing room visit by THE one and only Don Darryl Rivera, who plays Iago in the our show.
Now the Genie Magic begins. The gorgeous Hair & Makeup supervisor Cheryl Thomas (aka Aunt Cheryl) gets my Genie glam on with her flawless make-up job EVERY show and then glitter a go go. Fun fact… after the opening number I go down to the basement to meet Aunt Cheryl before I head back up to my dressing room to get GenieFIED!!!
Act 2 of the matinee is about to start, and my fabulously gorgeously incredible dresser Cathy Cline gets me Genie-ready!
One of my favorite times during my day when I’m at the show is getting to see the magic backstage and our incredible crew in action.
It’s in between shows…. Today I have a rehearsal for the 5th Anniversary Celebration of Aladdin on Broadway and a surprise five-Genie performance is happening. Our original Genie James Monroe Iglehart, myself, Major Attaway (who was also the Genie on Broadway and now on the National tour), and our two standbys Juwan Crowley & Deonte L. Warren, along with our genius director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw, are all in a room having no fun at all.
Five Genies walk into a room!!!!!!
Just a little bit of time for a quick physical therapy session with the incredible Sarah Nolan from Physio Arts. Fun fact: I’ve worked with Sarah for four shows, which has been incredible to be able to work with someone who knows your body and what work needs to done! Thank God for these theatre angels who keep us all healthy on Broadway.
I usually try and get in a quick nap between shows as well . . . Today, though, Jafar just couldn’t help himself than to crash my nap.
In between show Chai time!!!
A quick visit with Arielle Jacobs…. The Princess and her puppy!!! How cute are they!!!!
SATURDAY NIGHT ON BROADWAY CRAZINESS!!!!
Before the curtain goes up!!!!! Here we go… second show!!!
Ok it’s Show Time!!!
Michael James Scott
What a crazy exciting 2 show day… and now I turn off the dressing room lights and go
home to wake up and do it all over again!!
home to wake up and do it all over again!!
