Discover a whole new world of Disney magic with three spring concerts at The Soraya
This spring The Soraya gives audiences a 360-view of Disney’s Aladdin, with three concerts related to the beloved film.
Originally released on November 25, 1992, the Academy Award-winning movie saw significant critical and commercial success, as did its soundtrack composed by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice. It’s hard to believe that three decades have gone by since its release!
The animated musical comedy film, swept us away on a magical carpet ride—introducing us to the charming and lovable “street urchin” Aladdin, his smart and beautiful love interest Princess Jasmine, and their wacky friends, Iagu, Raja, Genie, and Abu.
As an organization, we’re pleased in 2023 to be able to sweep our own audiences away this spring on a magical carpet ride right in The Soraya’s own Great Hall. The film turns 30 years old this year, and what better way to celebrate that milestone than to break it right open and dive deeper into the story?
“One of the most satisfying aspects of being a performing arts programmer is making connections between performances and performers. While some do stand alone in their own right, other times there are deep and important relationships among multiple performances,” said Thor Steingraber, The Soraya’s Executive and Artistic Director.
“I love to imagine audiences taking in a whole series of performances in order to have an exponentially rewarding experience and to enjoy a 360-view of something.”
On March 25, 2023, The Soraya presents Disney in Concert: Aladdin 30th Anniversary. Gather your friends and family for a truly unique concert experience in which the film will be projected onto a large screen while the New West Symphony, performs the Academy Award-winning score live for the audience.
On April 2, 2023, families will dive deeper into the magical Disney realm with A Whole New World of Alan Menken, where the composer himself will lead the night, taking his place at The Soraya’s Steinway piano to perform, and share little-known anecdotes and stories about his legendary Disney classics like Aladdin’s “A Whole New World” and Beauty and The Beast’s “Be Our Guest.”
Then, on April 22 & 23, 2023, audiences will share two incredible nights with multiple-award-winning singer Lea Salonga. Best known for her roles as the voice of two Disney animated princesses, Mulan from the Mulan film and Jasmine from Aladdin, she will perform Broadway hits. Disney Classics, pop favorites, and more.
Nicknamed the “Pride of the Philippines,” Lea Salonga’s most recent work includes joining the cast and producing team of Broadway’s Here Lies Love, a musical by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. Salonga will play Aurora Aquino in a limited guest engagement July 11-August 13. Salonga is also set to lead the cast of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends with Bernadette Peters at the Gielgud Theatre from September 16 of this year through January 2024.
In addition to a Tony® Award, Salonga has won Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Theatre World awards. She made her Broadway debut at The Broadway Theatre in 1991 as Éponine in Les Misérables shortly before starring in Miss Saigon in the same theatre.
This April will mark Salonga’s fourth and fifth performances at The Soraya.