‘Aladdin’ strives for a little magic

Few theme-park shows rise above the level of mediocre summer stock theater. Ten, maybe 15 minutes of poorly sung or lip-synced pop or show tunes, padded with some awkward dialogue, and that’s it. But a new musical based on Disney’s “Aladdin” at California Adventure is raising the standard for theme park entertainment.

This “Aladdin” packs six songs -- five from the movie and one original tune -- into a lively 40-minute show at the park’s 2,000-seat Hyperion Theater. Whispers from Disney employees suggest that the company hopes this production will follow “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King” to Broadway some day.

It’s not ready. This show lacks the splendor of “Beauty and the Beast” and the innovation of “The Lion King.” Nor does it capture the frenetic enthusiasm of the animated original. And the warmth of a live orchestra would have taken a harsh edge off this over-amplified production. Yet despite its shortcomings, “Aladdin” rises far above any other musical production at a local theme park.

The show follows the plot of the movie, with a few cuts -- notably two beloved sidekicks, Abu the monkey and Rajah the tiger. The abbreviated plot leads to a few awkward transitions, including a clumsy introduction for the heroine, Princess Jasmine.

Most problematic, though, is the show’s treatment of the Genie. It is unreasonable to expect any actor to match Robin Williams’ bravura performance in the film.

Nevertheless, for “Aladdin” to work, the character of the Genie must come across as larger than life. The actor in that role on Dec. 8 (during opening weekend) played gamely, eliciting several laughs from the audience, but the cavernous hall swallowed much of his performance. This character demands the production and design creativity that brought a savanna of animals to life in “The Lion King.” But “Aladdin” never offers anything so visionary.

Indeed, after actors playing Aladdin and Jasmine climbed aboard their magic carpet for the show’s romantic ballad, the two disappeared below stage level and were replaced by a small model dragged across a backdrop -- a cheap effect that elicited derisive guffaws. Fortunately, the model was quickly replaced with a full-size carpet, carrying Aladdin and Jasmine into and above the audience. Gasps of delight and cheers replaced the laughter, and the scene was saved -- except for those sharp-eyed patrons who noticed that the Aladdin on the carpet was an Asian actor, while the Aladdin who had been on stage was white. Once again, clumsy or thoughtless direction undermines the show.

Still, the hard-working performers and the delightful source material overcome the production’s limited vision. The Genie and a cleverly played magic carpet get their share of laughs. Rousing songs from the movie, including “Prince Ali,” never fail to entertain. And whenever someone hops on that carpet, the production literally soars.

The full house that watched the show left entertained, though not quite wowed. With a few tweaks, this show could grow into a much-needed reason to buy a ticket for California Adventure.

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‘Aladdin’

Where: Disney’s California Adventure, 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim

When: Daily beginning Saturday, times noted on-site

Price: Included with park admission: $45, adults; $35 kids 3 to 9; free, under 3

Info: (714) 781-4565