Aladdin is one of the most iconic Disney movies.
And it has become one of the biggest shows on the West End stage. The magical musical is flying into the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre this year.
So before the cast hit the stage VIP Magazine sat down with Desmonda Cathabel and Gavin Adams who play Jasmine and Aladdin. Desmonda is an Indosenia actress, whose first major role on stage is the one and only Jasmine.
Gavin was born in Hong Kong and was raised in Shanghai, he was left absolutely shocked when he was offered the role of Aladdin as it is his first role, well, ever.
It really is a Whole New World for the pair…
Hey Gavin and Desmonda! Let’s get straight into it! What has it been like getting the roles and playing Aladdin and Jasmine?
Gavin: It’s sort of a longish story to how I got the part. [Laughs] I didn’t audition for the role of Aladdin originally; I was auditioning for the role of Kassim. I was also auditioning for cover Aladdin, and it just so happened that Casey [Nicholaw] (the director) saw me do the audition for the cover Aladdin and he gave me the role, which I was not expecting at all. I found out in a cafe in Shoreditch and I was in disbelief for a good 48 hours or so.
It’s been such an incredible experience. It was a daunting prospect at first, but I’ve been so blessed to be surrounded by such an incredible cast, crew, creative team, management, and production team. I have felt very supported and encouraged throughout this whole process. We had so much fun doing the show, we still have a laugh backstage and on stage, and we all get along really well with each other. For a first job, I’m having the time of my life.
Desmonda: I found out about getting Jasmine in the changing room of TK Maxx. [Laughs] It was actually kind of meant to be. I remember for my final audition, I almost didn’t make it because I was rehearsing for something else. It wasn’t supposed to be my slot, my final audition, and it just so happened that I was there and that Gavin was there, and it just so happened that they wanted us to read together.
It was just meant to be really, everything fell into place. With this amazing cast and crew, I feel like everything happened in line with everything else. It is so special, as someone from Indonesia. When the news broke out that an Indonesian person was playing Jasmine, everyone broke down. It’s more than just a job, you are in Disney’s Aladdin, playing Princess Jasmine. It’s another level. These aren’t just roles, these are characters that are so well-known, it’s a bit unbelievable. I’m just really grateful.
Wow, that’s seriously incredible! Do you have a history with the film? Did you watch Aladdin growing up?
D: We didn’t see the original musical production when it came to London, but we can safely say we both grew up watching the movie. Robin Williams as the genie is burned into my core memory. The song ‘A Whole New World’ in particular, and Lea Salonga who is Jasmine’s voice, was a favourite of mine. She’s South East Asian so there was a little something special about her for me.
G: I grew up watching Aladdin and it was one of my favourite films and still is. It’s so iconic, with the incredible and unfortunately late Robin Williams playing the genie. We rewatched the cartoon when we were in Edinburgh, and we were just appreciating so much more of the film having come away from doing the show because it’s such an incredible movie. The voice acting and the animation are so incredible. The fact that we get to bring that magic out on stage in person is great.
You’re not the only people with a connection to the film. How has the reaction been from the audience?
D: It’s been really amazing. There’s this one point in the show after ‘Friend Like Me’ which never fails to bring everyone screaming and cheering at the end of the number. No matter what kind of audience there is, after ‘Friend Like Me’ people will always get loud. I think there’s something about this particular production that is quite special. There are really great reactions. I was just saying this to Gavin, both shows yesterday after ‘A Whole New World’, we heard a lot of loud gasps from the audience after we kissed and I just thought ‘Aw that’s so cute!’. The audience is really in it and believes it and are really taken back by what they see on stage.
G: It’s been really cool experiencing different audiences across the UK. Now we’ve done 3 different countries in the UK and we’ve had quite different experiences. It’s been really nice adjusting accordingly. Meeting everyone at the stage door, everyone has been so lovely and complimentary. Hearing the reaction from the audience is really special because we feel like we’ve done good! And it encourages us to keep bringing that energy, keep the spirits high and do the show justice, something we endeavour to do every night.
Aladdin being a Disney production means it has another level of magic to it, is that crazy for your first show?
G: Yes definitely. Its magical being able to do this show with incredible people because it is so uplifting, in terms of the music, the characters, the set, everything is just about the spectacle and the magic and with this being my first show, the bar has been set very high. I’m really just trying to soak it all up while I’m here.
You’re coming to Ireland next month, what are you most excited about?
D: The Guinness factory. If I go there at least once, I’m set.
G: Just exploring Dublin! I’ve been to Dublin a couple of times before for music-related things, it seems to be a trend for me. I didn’t have much opportunity to explore before. I’m looking forward to really getting to know Dublin.
Aladdin flies into the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from the 20th of March to the 14ht of April. Get your tickets here.
