Playbill PrideHow Michael James Scott Relates to Aladdin’s Genie In His Quest for True FreedomThe Broadway performer on starring in the Disney blockbuster as an out and proud gay black actor.
“In order to be a successful Genie, you have to be your authentic self,” says Michael James Scott, the current Genie of Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway. Scott is no stranger to the part; after serving as the original standby when the musical first opened in 2014, he went on to originate the role in the Australian company before returning to the Main Stem full time.
With so many nights in Agrabah, Scott has discovered moments to explore a more vulnerable side to the shining, shimmering, and splendid Genie. “[I want audiences] to get a new insight to Genie, as opposed to just a showman. How much of the mask can I remove for the audience? Where are the places where I can let that down?”Audiences may walk into the theatre expecting a carbon-copy of Robin Williams’ performance in the 1992 animated film, but Scott chooses to examine layers of the character in a new way.
“It goes pretty deep with Genie. Aladdin asks him, ‘What do you want?’ It’s the first time Genie is asked this,” Scott says. “He’s used to always giving everybody else what they want. He says, ‘Freedom,’ and it’s one of those [moments where you go], ‘Huh, wow,’ because the Genie, technically, isn’t free.”
Michael James Scott and Ainsley Melham in AladdinDeen van Meer
That’s a powerful notion for a gay black man to investigate in a big-budget Broadway musical, but Scott isn’t afraid of the challenge. Scott’s fearlessness—and authenticity—is always present, whether he’s wearing a floral suit or the Genie’s dazzling costume.
“[Disney has] allowed me to literally put Michael in there. To have trust with a company like Disney— you just feel so supported,” he says. “To be in the front [in a starring role] with the legacy that is Disney Theatrical, it’s unbelievable.”
Scott does not take that responsibility lightly. He is aware that he could be inspiring young artists of all races, genders, and sexualities at any given performance, which is a full-circle moment for him. He credits the diverse ensemble in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as the first time he saw himself represented on the stage. “It was an aha moment for me that, ‘Oh it is possible! There is a place for someone like me,’” he says.
Shortly after the Australian company opened at The Capitol Theatre, Scott began to receive letters and messages from fans expressing their gratitude at seeing a gay black man as a lead. Now he uses social media to connect with people who want to get to know the man behind the glittering gold makeup. However, living as a gay black man means navigating homophobia in the black community and racism in the LGBTQ community, on top of pressures and assumptions that may come from the mainstream. It’s emotionally taxing, but Scott attributes his resilience to a strong support system made up of family members and friends.
“All I can do is walk the walk,” he says. “If I give into that [negativity] and if I allow myself to be disturbed and affected by that, then I’m losing my authenticity, I’m letting people take my power away.”
Scott’s power manifests itself in an effervescence and jovial demeanor that can’t be denied. For Aladdin’s fifth anniversary in March, Scott joined with his brotherhood of Broadway Genies for a celebratory medley, which gave all of their personalities—and riffs—a chance to shine.
It’s this idea of coming together as a collective made up of different identities and experiences that pushes Scott forward. “It’s why I’m thankful for theatre, because the theatre community embraces everyone,” he says. “That to me is what pride is: when a straight man or woman [or anyone] can stand next to you and we all feel the same. There’s nothing more prideful.”
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Spend a 2-Show Day With Aladdin's Michael James Scott
Spend a 2-Show Day With Aladdin's Michael James Scott
23 PHOTOS
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