We brought our apo Victoria Jane with us and she had a great time with the colorful costumes, great scenery and exuberant dances. She marvelled at the magic carpet ride in the superb “A Whole New World” production number.
Musical theatre has a new competent leading man in Tom Rodriguez who truly acquits himself well in his first musical, playing the title role no less. He has a winning stage presence and also sings quite well. Tom has all the qualities of a heartthrob so we don’t know why ABS-CBN has not launched him in a lead role. K-La Rivera also shines as Jasmine but the scene stealer is Aiza Seguerra who’s a dynamo of energy as the wisecracking genie. They all do great in their song and dance numbers, particularly in the show-stopping "Never Had a Friend Like Me".
Giving them great support are Raul Montesa as the evil Jafar, Jimmy Marquez as his rollicking sidekick Iago and as the wacky narrator trio of street musicians Omar, Bakbak and Kassim: Bibo Reyes, Johann Dela Fuente and Jamie Wilson who all give very competent performances. You have until December 9 to watch this wonderful show that is a perfect way of ushering the Christmas season. The Christmas displays and ornaments alone around the Meralco Theatre are already worth the trip there.
