The Stage Door Choir Takes on "Friend Like Me from Aladdin The Musical" – A High-Energy Adventure!
- The Stage Door
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
What do you get when you mix whirlwind lyrics, cheeky character work, and a sprinkle of musical magic? The Stage Door Choir tackling “Friend Like Me” from Aladdin the Musical, of course!
Our final two rehearsals of our Spring Term was nothing short of electric as we dove head-first into one of the most iconic showstoppers in musical theatre history. From the moment that jazzy intro kicked in, it was clear—we were going to need all the energy, all the stamina, and maybe a few deep breaths in between.
Fast, Fun, and Full of Flair!
Friend Like Me from Aladdin The Musical is a rollercoaster ride of a song. With its rapid-fire lyrics, tongue-twisting phrases, and ever-changing rhythms, it’s not just a vocal workout—it’s an event. To help with clarity and diction (because let’s be honest, those lyrics move at lightning speed), some of our singers grabbed their Morrison bone props—a great tool for vocalists and actors! These made for a hilarious but genuinely helpful tool for focusing on enunciation. Who knew improving diction could be this much fun?
Be the Band!
One of the most creative moments of rehearsal came when we split the song into sections, whilst embodying a different instrument in an imaginary orchestra. One section became jazzy trumpets, another the trombone section, and yet another the playful sound of the clarinet. It brought a new layer of musicality and character to the piece—and gave us a good laugh in the process imagining how we could make the lyrics sound like the instruments!
Bring on the Character in "Friend Like Me from Aladdin The Musical"
This isn’t just a song—it’s a performance. “Friend Like Me” demands personality, pizazz, and a touch of theatrical mischief. From the sass of the Genie to the flair of a Vegas-style revue, we’re embracing the fun and letting our inner showbiz shine through. It’s impossible to sing this one without a grin on your face (and maybe a bit of glitter in your soul).
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Aladdin the Musical and “Friend Like Me”:
The original Broadway Genie, James Monroe Iglehart, won a Tony Award for his performance—and it’s easy to see why! His rendition of “Friend Like Me” is legendary for its energy and comedic brilliance.
“Friend Like Me” in the musical is a massive production number that blends jazz, tap dance, Broadway, hip-hop, and even a bit of rap.
Aladdin the Musical includes seven brand-new songs not found in the original Disney movie, written by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin.
The Broadway production features over 350 costumes and some of the most dazzling quick-changes in theatre—magic truly comes to life on stage! many of these are seen in "Friend Like Me!"
We’re loving every minute of bringing this dynamic number to life. It’s bold, it’s brassy, it’s brilliant—and we can’t wait to share it with an audience. So hold onto your magic carpets… the Genie’s just getting started!
Stay tuned for more rehearsal fun, behind-the-scenes shenanigans, and, of course, some show-stopping tunes!