OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS

Michael James Scott (Genie). Aladdin North American Tour. Photo by Deen van Meer. © Disney


Disney's ALADDIN is making magic on the Orpheum Theater stage through this weekend! The Broadway show brings the 1992 film to life with all our favorite elements: the music, the flying carpet, the love story and, of course, the Genie!

We caught up with Michael James Scott, the actor who plays Genie. He originated the role of the Genie in the Australian production of ALADDIN. He's also held roles on Broadway in SOMETHING ROTTEN!, THE BOOK OF MORMON, HAIR and ALL SHOOK UP. 

We didn't get to make three wishes - but he did grant us five questions! 

1. What was your first big break?

   I started as a child actor, so I think my first big break was doing commercials down in Orlando, Florida. As an adult it was being the standby for the legendary Ben Vereen in Fosse in Paris!

2. When did you know this was the career you wanted?

   I’ve always known this was what I was going to do. There was never anything else that was of interest, so I immersed myself in it at a very early age. I begged my parents to let me do any and everything in show business!

3. Who or what inspires you?

   I’m inspired by people who live in the truth, who aren’t afraid to fail and be different!!!!

4. What’s playing on your iPod/Spotify/stereo right now? 

   A 1990s playlist

5. What’s something about your show the audience may be surprised to learn? 
   That glitter is applied three times throughout the show to keep me a sparkly Genie!!