Sitting in the New Amsterdam Theatre, I flipped through the purple and gold show bill. The lights finally dimmed and the orchestra played a medley of songs from a new Broadway musical, “Aladdin.”

When I first heard that I was going to New York with the newspaper, seeing a Broadway show was a top interest. I saw Disney’s “Aladdin” for the first time this past summer and immediately loved the story and the characters, so I was thrilled when I found out we were going to see it on Broadway.

All the performers are talented in acting, singing and dancing. Each actor or actress brings his or her character to life in his or her own unique way. Genie (played by James Monroe Iglehart) is hilarious with several one-liners, and his illusions during “Friend Like Me” were fascinating. Adam Jacobs, who played Aladdin, also played Simba when I went to see “The Lion King” my freshman year as well as Marius from “Les Miserable”. Jonathan Freeman, who played Jafar, was also the voice of Jafar for Disney’s “Aladdin.” The characters played off of one another very well which made the experience entertaining.

This Broadway arrangement stays true to the original story with several adjustments, so it can be performed on the stage. Aladdin’s monkey Abu is replaced with three foolish partners-in-crime. Jafar’s talkative parrot is replaced with an annoying sidekick.

The production is very colorful and pleasing to the eye with exquisite costumes and props, and the stage effects and illusions are fascinating. As a whole, the production was impressive and set the right tone for the story.

Being a musician nerd, I paid special attention to the music. The performers’ voices fit well with each character, and Aladdin’s voice was especially pleasing to listen to. The only performer’s sound I wasn’t too impressed with was Jasmine (played by Courtney Reed) who was too bright and girly for me. Composer Alan Menken wrote several new songs that fit perfectly with the story line as well as enhanced the familiar songs from the movie.

The New Amsterdam Theatre is fancy and classic. Along the sides and above the stage are paintings of angels, cherubs, knights and jesters. The floors are covered in flowered carpet. We sat on the second row of the balcony, and I had a perfect view of the whole stage. I did not see the stage from the floor or the mezzanine, but I do not think I could see everything if I sat in those places. Our seats were a good medium of seeing all that was going on and still perceiving the actors’ expressions.

If you think you have seen “Aladdin” already because you have seen the movie, get ready for a whole new world.