ALADDIN Comes to Milwaukee’s Marcus Performing Arts Center
Tonight, October 17, 2023, marks the opening of Disney’s ALADDIN the hit Broadway musical at the Marcus Center Performing Arts in Milwaukee. The show will only be in town until October 22, 2023.
Through this musical, audiences will be able to discover a new world and a refreshed look at the classic ALADDIN.
ALADDIN the musical will have the audience members favorite songs from the film, along with new music written by Tony and Academy Award winner Alan Menken (Newsies) with lyrics penned by the Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast), Tony Award winner Tim Rice (The Lion King, Aida), and book writer Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer).
This musical is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten!).
Along with singalongs, expect an array of colors and upscale costumes from Tony Award winners Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins), Gregg Barnes (Kinky Boots), and Natasha Katz (An American in Paris).
The Man Behind Genie
Born in Akron, Ohio, Marcus M. Martin started his career inside the church. He credits his first performance to his Easter speech at Church. His parents saw earlier on his enthusiasm and excitement for the world of arts, so they placed him in a two-week summer camp at seven years that focused on acting.
Years later, he’s showing his everyday joy by playing Genie in ALADDIN’s musical. According to Martin, to date, and not including tonight’s show, he’s performed as Genie 322 times since October 16, 2022. He performs eight shows a week from Tuesday-Sunday and he loves every second of it.
He said it’s about “keeping the joy for the story you’re telling” and “staying invested and truthful as an actor.”
To prepare for a job like Genie, Martin ensures he keeps a tight schedule. The day before a show he gets at least 10 hours of sleep, he only drinks room-temperature water, he cuts dairy from his diet and stretches. He believes a good show comes from 10% performance and 90% maintenance.
“[I’m] making sure I’m in a good space to do this show,” said Marcus.
When it comes to the character of Genie and becoming the character many have come to love, it’s about really knowing who Genie is at heart. Marcus describes Genie as having joy and wisdom. One of Marcus’ favorite parts of acting is diving below the surface and pulling out characteristics that an average audience member may not have known of.
As a lover of theater and arts, he encourages others, especially those in the Black community, to learn more about the field. When audience members watch ALADDIN Marcus hopes it inspires them to explore the world of arts.
“Educate yourself and see how it can really benefit our kids,” said Marcus.
Tickets
If you’re interested in attending the Milwaukee shows, click here.