Where-To-Go Wednesday - Behind the Magic: Backstage Disney Tour and Aladdin the Musical

What: Behind the Magic: Backstage Disney Tour

Where: New Amsterdam Theatre
             214 W. 42nd St.
             New York, NY

Who: All ages

Mom's view: If you ever wanted to be a part of the magic of one Disney's Broadway shows, this is your chance. This tour gives you the opportunity to experience what it's like to be in a Disney show without your having to actually be in one of their shows. You have the opportunity to try so many fun and unique things on this tour that you would never get to try anywhere else. You can try on costumes from shows including Mary Poppins and The Lion King. You can play with props from shows including Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. You can see scale models of sets of shows including Mary Poppins and Tarzan. Every Disney show ever produced on a Broadway is represented in some way as part of this tour except for Aladdin, which is actually the show currently running in the New Amsterdam Theatre. For more about Aladdin, see below.  If you are a history buff, you will also love this tour  Not only will you learn a little bit about the history of Disney on Broadway but  you will learn about the history of the New Amsterdam Theatre  itself and  discover how its restoration sparked not only the growth of Disney Theatricals, but also revitalized a whole neighborhood.  This part of the tour is really very interesting for adults and older children although perhaps not so much for little kids who will just want to get to the part where you get to play with Disney costumes and props. However, when you do get to that part of the tour it is not just the little kids that get really excited. Here as in most cases, Disney brings out the kid in all of us. Isn't that what we all love about Disney?

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What: Aladdin the Musical 

Where: New Amsterdam Theatre

             214 W. 42nd St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for ages 6 and up

Mom's view: Aladdin is a show that takes you on a musical, colorful, magical journey. Whether you've seen the movie or not, you will enjoy this show. The talented cast is highlighted by the wonderful, James Monroe Iglehart as the Genie. If you never thought anyone could possibly live up to Robin Williams portrayal of the Genie in the Disney cartoon version of the story, you have never seen Mr. Iglehart's portrayal. However, Mr. Iglehart is not the only talented performer in this cast. All the actors in the show are very good in their parts. They are also super nice as you while find if you have the opportunity to visit the stage door after the show. The dancesin the show are lively. The songs which are made up of a mix of songs from the movie, songs cut from the movie, and a few new songs are mostly upbeat and fun. There are some cool special effects including a flying magic carpet. The show is recommended for ages 6 and up although as long as your child is old enough to sit through a show, they should enjoy this one. However, if your child scares easily just note that there may be a few scary moments. All in all, it's just a really entertaining show, definitely one of Disney's best.

And that's Moms' view. for more about Behind the Magic: Backstage Disney Tour and Aladdin the Musical see tomorrow's Talking Topics post.

photo credits: All Aladdin photos by Deen Van Meer