Cast of Broadway's 'Aladdin' Perform 'Friend Like Me' Live on 'GMA'

The Tony award-winning cast of the musical that just celebrated its 1,000th show on Broadway performs "Friend Like Me" live from the New Amsterdam Theatre.

[@laurasilva9007]

When I saw the broadway show there was a part where Aladdin goes “are you from the lamp” and the genie goes “no, I’m from wakanda”

[@bats1312]

I saw that part when I watched yesterday! 😂😂

[@OweisAzizi]

in London they say the same

[@brodysinko7872]

bRuH I've never seen it but imagining it has me dead

[@peyton4933]

This warms my Marvel loving heart

[@Ehawkjj2]

so unexpected and everyone was shook xD

[@MrStars-bj9yf]

Seriously I think people underestimate how hard singing and dancing is at the same time

[@phangirlable]

Seriously, I can't even make a harsher movement while talking without my voice sounding funny. The lung involuntarily contracts too when you move your upper body. I don't know how they do they. XD

[@LatinEmperor123]

They train by doing singing exercises while running/doing burpees pretty much every day (source: I did performing arts in college, musical theatre lessons are ruthless with stamina work)

[@gsadmtp]

dance + sing + actor performance

[@wes8440]

Oh trust me bud I know

[@elizaadams2992]

it honestly is so hard especially when you’re belting and dancing intensely

[@zzuklaa5699]

Musicals are lit because they break the 4th wall so much

[@CrazyManhog]

Plus aldans clothes are better and more like the orginal movie

[@lanabattarseh9323]

Lit?

[@kur0oo768]

sometimes there not suppose to tho :(

[@yoana0608]

@Johnny Yakutilov loved the show, saw it in nyc a few years ago, just fun!

[@animepotato1028]

Deadpool broke it many times too

[@shrimpchip69]

just saw the show and the genie (this same guy) stole the show away omfg he was amazing

[@jocelyn634]

YA SAME I SAW IT ANTHONY MURPHY AKA GENIE WAS AMAZING AND AFTER WHEN THE CAST CAME OUT WHEN ANTHONY AKA GENIE CAME OUT EVERYONE SCREAMED (INCLUDING ME) IT WAS SO LIT

[@neroya0119]

The PandaGirl Show Today His name's James Monroe Iglehart...?

[@neroya0119]

The PandaGirl Show Today Ah, I see what you mean. James Monroe was the original Genie, but he later went to perform in Hamilton. Anthony is his replacement. I'm pretty sure the Genie in this video is James?

[@Fleis76]

Yes he did! BTW his name is Major Attaway ... I will admit, I thought no one could fill Robin William's shoes, but he did a damn good job... kept enough of the familiar mannerisms while adding a few of his own... very well done!

[@LchanOtakudom]

bepis hjsjd I saw the same Genie (James Monroe Iglehart) in the production in Minneapolis! The whole cast was superb but Genie ruled over all! Standing ovation after this number! It's a shame they couldn't show the full song, but they got some great bits in here, like a preview!

[@hebablo]

He would be a good oggie bogie too!

[@lailasantos6243]

I was thinking the exact same thing!

[@manuelorozco7760]

Or Tug if Disney adapts Brother Bear

[@milagros.carpio]

omg you’re sooo right!!

[@HetaliaCalifornia]

My exact thought the moment he spoke.

[@magnificloud]

Robbie Agnew I THOUGHT THAT TOO! Such a diva

[@thatteen2173]

Genie: hey kid, can you tap dance? Aladdin: uh no Genie: *magicness* you can now

[@t3ddibear]

ThatTween hey kid can you spell well now you can

[@thatteen2173]

Um sure

[@graceliz865]

ThatTween sounds like every director I’ve worked with in a tap show 😂

[@thatteen2173]

Grace the Actress 😂 👌

[@micaelariveraofficial2253]

please i need to be the friend of this genie.

[@citrusaurus1970]

Good lord he's fabulous

[@manuelorozco7760]

I loved James Monroe Iglehart as Bobby in Memphis

[@matthewforbes4937]

Robin would be proud

[@manuelorozco7760]

Maybe he would have been even more proud if he saw the show before he died

[@brogle5250]

I bet he is

[@eviehouk]

He is very proud right next to us...all of us.....

[@brogle5250]

When he sings "Beauty and the Beast" tho

[@izzyburch6561]

*King George III* haha 😂

[@anni2539]

@@darkacademiavanessa bless your reply.

[@zubaidamajeed5756]

HIS VOICE THO 😤👌

[@BB-sr2tv]

Its amazing

[@RJTheCerealGuy]

I was fortunate to see this live and I would much rather see this again than the movie. It was hilarious, when Aladdin asked he said he was from the lamp he said no I am from Cleveland. This was in 2016 btw

[@LFTKellyisNotMyRealName]

TheGamingIcon movie was great tbh, not gonna take away from this mans performance but I prefer Will Smith’s performance

[@RJTheCerealGuy]

This was written when the horrible trailer came out, I watched it today it was great I just thought it looked at first very weird

[@KatintheHat2022]

I saw it and he said he's from Minneapolis

[@CarlosThadeu]

when I watched he said he was from Wakanda and did ''Wakanda Forever!" lol (it was before the passing of Chadwick ;~;)

[@joshuamuniz235]

I was there in the audience. It’s worth saying, this was taped at 7am in the morning. And the people in the audience were in line by 5am outside the theater. So first of all, kudos to the actors and dancers and everyone behind the scenes to be up that early and perform. Secondly, people willing to be up at 4-5am to go to this taping are either huge Disney/broadway fans or both, so for the people saying the crowd was dead, trust me, we were very loud and cheering and were encouraged to do so because the more energy we gave out, the more energy the performers had on stage to give a great performance on screen. They clearly lowered the audience volume. This was a free taping that you had to be signed up for and accepted. We got a little history lesson about the theater itself, the Disney on broadway production team and we got a Q&A from princess Jasmine herself. She was my favorite, she had a lot of bubbly personality for 7am haha there were also a lot of giveaways like a pair of free tickets which I won.

[@backload123]

i was too. u were behund me with the pink skull cap

[@renthehag]

Hell yeah dude! Were you able to use the tickets to see the show while the OG Broadway cast was still there? Getting to see this show twice for FREE is an insane story.

[@joshuamuniz235]

@@renthehag yes I thankfully got to see the OG cast before they all went their separate ways

[@tasha3757]

I'm not a morning person at all! Lol 😅 Thank you for sharing. Goes to show the true dedication that gets put into all of this. Even more satisfying must have been that "Good Morning America" part for the Genie! 😃 Excellent performance 👏👌

[@hanaflora.a]

Omg can’t believe he’s in Hamilton now

[@manuelorozco7760]

H. F. And i still have not seen it

[@mimicoffey1393]

HE IS!!??? WHICH CHARACTER IS HE!!???

[@younice9707]

Nerd Queen Lafayette / Jefferson

[@PigWIthGlasses]

I’ve seen him in Hamilton and he’s incredible! What did I miss is basically his friend like me song (energetic and happy)

[@madiaragon815]

I SAW HIM ON BROADWAY AND I- CAN- NOT

[@anara8141]

I just came here to hear James sing again after that stunning voice acting role in Helluva Boss as the demon of Lust.

[@Ma_Linka03]

Same!

[@nebuvalon]

ayyy

[@apollonarawfwfw5426]

IN THE HOUUUUSEEEE OF AZMODIUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUS

[@faroukshaaban1140]

Thank god I was looking for this comment!

[@102Mod]

Same

[@Akirex5000]

Only this guy could make me simp for both a genie and a lust demon

[@vanhornish]

YOURE HERE FOR ASMODEUS TOO?

[@darknesseternal2473]

Yes he can! Asmodeus was PHENOMENAL and his voice more then fits!

[@riddlerx994]

Don't forget tex and zestial now too

[@luigouvea]

Shortened for TV. Saw it live on Broadway and was way longer! Although, OUTSTANDING performance here!

[@jamesbrice3267]

I love how Aladdin's like "I can't believe I'm getting PAID to live this life!".

[@tom-tx9md]

i saw this and it’s honestly so much better in person - 10/10 would recommend

[@snootytrash9219]

Yes! It was awesome

[@stormyphillips251]

I hate that they had to shorten it for the GMA performance, but it was SPECTACULAR either way. My goodness I love James Monroe Iglehart as a performer. That man is sensational.

[@luigouvea]

I’ve watched on Broadway and I tell you that I had a big smile on my face for 10 min after this. The crowd stood up and clapped for at least 5 minutes! I was in the 3rd row! What a great number this is and really brings joy to the heart!

[@amandaungaro9527]

HIS VOICE IS LITERALLY SO FANTASTIC THE ENERGY

[@tairanunez46]

He also did the song House of asmodeus for a show if you wanted to hear more of his vocals

[@peterstoric6560]

Fun fact: the man who plays genie here is also a voice actor. Two places he’s been off the top of my head are Queen from one piece and asmodeus from helluva boss

[@chacehanson6952]

Also vortex in helluva boss

[@TheBelieveit1]

Never had a friend like Asmodeus

[@mariadimarco5820]

Can't believe he's Zestial from Hazbin Hotel now :O Love this man!

[@reneeangely8446]

Don’t forget Ozzie and Vortex in Helluva Boss!

[@444haluk]

This must be the bar for Will Smith's 2019 performance.

[@spacecat6019]

Robin William's set that bar many years ago. I hope they dont let him down.

[@444haluk]

@@spacecat6019 I think expecting will smith to surpass Robin Williams is unrealistic. This performans is entertaining but not that compatible with cinema. Maybe something between is good.

[@tasteless_sandwiches]

welp

[@jer8139]

Will smith isn’t so funny like him

[@weavesnatched7957]

Oop

[@tylercleveland6451]

Why wasn't this the real genie in the live action this guy is absolutely amazing. I also love listening to Hercules on broadway also. The vocalists are beautiful!!!

[@silverloony1170]

I don't get the urge to "boogie" the same way I do with the original and other versions of "Friend Like Me", but there's so much effort, talent and goofy energy put into the performance from James Iglehart (Genie) and everyone else that I can't help but clap and grin from ear to ear for the entire song.

[@vivijd1705]

3:57 gives me chills EVERY TIME

[@karly117]

Omg the genie is SO GOOD!!!!

[@user-os3di3yl3q]

何度観てもゾクゾクする。 本当に最高な作品。 衣装や舞台セットを作ってくれた人達も本当に素敵だ。 ありがとう。 素敵な作品に出会わせてくれてありがとう。

[@punktrash3681]

This audience is DRY

[@timoylumontad3920]

They're fun at parties.

[@sarahklein210]

they're at a Broadway production not a concert...

[@fabiomathieu8364]

I think you know nothing about musicals

[@purrincess1077]

no, they're appreciating good music.

[@drizzuI]

Punk Trash you can hear them applauding but the audio is boosted so you can only hear the music and people on stage. also generally when you go to a broadway performance youre there to enjoy it. you can still applaud afterwards

[@anairsta6507]

This guy that plays the Genie should be the Genie in the new Live Action Movie.

[@mrcritical6751]

Will Smith is live action Genie

[@anairsta6507]

I know that he is. I'm just saying this guys would have been great at it too.

[@Aaronivoify]

@@mrcritical6751 thats racist

[@mrcritical6751]

No it isn’t Will Smith is live action Genie

[@lanieperez3907]

@@Aaronivoify How the fuck is that racist?

[@krystelybz]

Honestly this is the best number in the entire show. You get magic, dancing, singing, COMEDY, all in one performance. 😭❤️

[@Musical_Theater_fan]

I saw this show on Broadway a few months ago. This was was one of my favorite numbers. This show is so special to me ❤

[@sophiam878]

Saw this with my school. Loved it, best part about the trip!

[@jaylenhoskins4085]

Sophia Maguire Where can I sign up to go to your school

[@sophiam878]

Jay Swag Haha you wouldn't want to. Scottish public Catholic school doubt that's up your alley😂

[@josealegria3615]

Same!

[@glocknineteen9190]

Sophia Maguire *KOOL .*

[@IJustFiguredThisOut]

Just imagine what Robin Williams would have been like playing Genie for the live show. Oh my that would have been the best thing ever!

[@IronheartvsMiles]

Would not be as good as this man because he was not a singer and could not dance.

[@marielsinq9722]

Never had a friend like me! Love Aladdin! Love Genie! This rocks!

[@lindsaysoroka9027]

I hate audiences like this. They seriously don’t understand how much energy this entire thing takes, and that’s only one song!

[@minilea144]

You clearly underestimate the work of the sound crew. They focused on the performers not the sound of the audience. That's why you barely hear them. Taped specifically for tv is going to sound different. The audience was extremely energetic.

[@potatomonika8796]

Watching this is so funny cause out of nowhere i remember he also voiced Asmodeus in Helluva Boss 😭

[@PixarShark]

This guy would make a FIRE Oogie Boogie if they ever brought that movie to Broadway!

[@danielleruth3539]

I love the guy that plays genie. He was also in Hamilton when i saw it on broadway. He is Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. I got to meet him and he was super nice and he is also so talented!

[@lmqueen3720]

man that beauty and the beast cover... come on it was AMAZING i need a full version

[@staticplays1871]

Love this guy as zestial.

[@eatshitlarrypage.3319]

Yo all I hear is Asmodeus. This guy fit that role sooooooo well.

[@uchihaharak3204]

James Monroe Iglehart from being the voice of the friendly genie to the king of lust Asmodeus Nice

[@anara8141]

OMG I was searching for a comment of this kind. I did great as Asmodeus.

[@Crystal_959]

He’s no Robin, sure, but he didn’t need to be, and he didn’t try to be. He put his own energy and charisma into the Genie, and it worked, and I love it

[@Kjones238]

genie was my most favorite of broadway. super funny character

[@popteamepicbest539]

Asmodeus and Vortex this man is too talented!

[@reneeangely8446]

And now Zestial in Hazbin Hotel

[@hellomother1306]

I saw this in New York and this guy will always be the best Genie

[@cj_sings]

I went and saw this show last month. If I were to forget everything I’d done in the four days I was in New York, then I know I would never forget seeing Aladdin. Plus, I was pretty much anticipating this specific number for a while.

[@michaellively9692]

I'm more confident that this guys performance as the Genie is better than what Will Smith will do. I think making Will Smith's whole skin blue was a mistake. This actor just has on a blue outfit and it works. I think the movie could have done the same.

[@chrundle00]

I've been saying they should've gone the Broadway route with Will Smith the entire time, and based on the new trailer it looks like they will be doing that for a lot of the movie (I'm guessing for 'blending in' and whatnot). I obviously don't think Will Smith can come close to this, but I'm much more optimistic and ecited to see his performance after today's trailer

[@jayfeezy9890]

@@chrundle00 Yeah, Disney knows what it's doing with one of its most popular ip

[@imverycreative5819]

He's not going to be blue through the whole movie, his 'human form' will not have any CGI

[@mr.dreavus7763]

Sorry, but you're so wrong. That's all I can say.

[@manuelorozco7760]

Jay Feezy I hope so because I am cautiously excited for this remake. It feels too soon for it to come out five years after the Broadway version debuted in NYC. But it just might work as long as it’s a faithful adaptation and the new songs Alan Menken wrote with Pasek and Paul are decent

[@krnstrong]

i cant wait for the live action movie

[@christinasamuel731]

same

[@manuelorozco7760]

I don't know what to make of the cast so far except Will Smith as Genie and Naomi Scott from Power Rangers as Jasmine. Also, Pasek and Paul who co-wrote the music for La La Land is writing new material with Alan Menken.

[@gamesfan290]

@Margaret Collins nah...

[@antoniarobinson7688]

Okkkkkkkkkkayyyy vocals. When I heard the jazz instruments too, done!! 😍❤️👏🏾

[@taylor3523]

this is bucketlist worthy. aladdin is one of my favorite movies!

[@bridgetteckman8819]

Just saw it live last night and the show was awesome but the genie made it 10x better😂👍

[@summerinspringville-hill]

Did they really do this?? in the morning?? So much energy. I have trouble even getting out of bed in the morning lol.

[@404_userfound]

The crowds said “I’m not even here baby, I’m a hallucination”

[@joshuamuniz235]

I was there in the audience. It’s worth saying, this was taped at 7am in the morning. And the people in the audience were in line by 5am outside the theater. So first of all, kudos to the actors and dancers and everyone behind the scenes to be up that early and perform. Secondly, people willing to be up at 4-5am to go to this taping are either huge Disney/broadway fans or both, so trust me, we were very loud and cheering and were encouraged to do so because the more energy we gave out, the more energy the performers had on stage to give a great performance on screen. They clearly lowered the audience volume. Also if this were a regular show, it’s broadway/theater known rules that you are there to enjoy the performance and being loud/talkative/cheery/on your phones,etc... can hugely disturb the people around you as well as the people on stage unless the performers on stage encourage audience participation during specific moments in the show.

[@NguyenTanPhuc_C]

His voice is incredible

[@fratbaban4763]

This was probably one of the best experiences in my whole life. Missing those good 2 weeks in beautiful NYC. Hope to see more again one day.

[@Fares_NaberYT]

Damn Ozzie did a good job. Fizz would agree

[@edgarfilho6129]

I was recently in NYC and I watched Aladdin.These actors and actresses are very talented and I do recommend it.The genius is hilarious and superb.Congratulations to you all.

[@jacobgarrity9055]

Robin Williams and this guy is the best

[@cakelifornia]

i saw this live about a year ago and boy, this performance was epic. the Genie was Michael James Scott and he definitely stole the show.

[@adoor2194]

I saw this and I was blown away

[@yanaafanaseva1285]

I've been listening to this song occasionally on a streaming platform and assumed it was from the film but it's the musical it's incredible ... I thought how brilliant it was with all the styles and 'thank you vrmuch". Although poor genie he's put of breath here :)) I think it's impossible to be not :)

[@darknesseternal2473]

If you love his work, you should listen to him sing House of Asmodeus from Helluva Boss with Broadways Beetlejuice! It's PHENOMENAL and how I looked for this!

[@lucho5192]

the pillow thing when he sits... what a nice timming xDD taht was amazing!

[@dizzysaturnring]

this is absolutely incredible

[@juliew1966]

This is the BEST genie of all who have played him!

[@ShonenXIV]

Me and my uncle went to see Aladdin in London, we have to admit, this was probably the best song we heard of seeing Lion King and Wicked, the guy playing Genie is the best we seen in musicals and of course the real star. When the song ended, we clapped longer than usual just because it was just amazing. The genie even gave a shocked looked when we kept clapping XD

[@demiemily]

The fact that he plays Lance just makes me love both so much more

[@mrblue8439]

Oh man I would love to see this

[@Fleis76]

Hopefully you will, it is very good!

[@elsaann9523]

Mr Blue I just saw it and it was amazing

[@banjobill8420]

worth it

[@paultebo7668]

Friend Like Me is the best buddy song from Disney

[@roseyc.5846]

LOVE THIS PERFORMANCE!! ❤️🩷❤️

[@valthegamer3415]

Wow that crowd was dead

[@joshuamuniz235]

I was there in the audience. It’s worth saying, this was taped at 7am in the morning. And the people in the audience were in line by 5am outside the theater. So first of all, kudos to the actors and dancers and everyone behind the scenes to be up that early and perform. Secondly, people willing to be up at 4-5am to go to this taping are either huge Disney/broadway fans or both, so trust me, we were very loud and cheering and were encouraged to do so because the more energy we gave out, the more energy the performers had on stage to give a great performance on screen. They clearly lowered the audience volume. Also if this were a regular show, it’s broadway/theater known rules that you are there to enjoy the performance and being loud/talkative/cheery/on your phones,etc... can hugely disturb the people around you as well as the people on stage unless the performers on stage encourage audience participation during specific moments in the show.

[@bradwargo765]

3i3

[@minilea144]

@@joshuamuniz235 People don't realize shows for tv are taped different. People at home rather hear the performance than the audience and sound crew know that.

[@FeatheredWingz]

Considering how meta this musical likes to get...if James Monroe Iglehart took a stint as the Genie again, it would be hilarious if he interrupted this to sing the Buddy Song from the Tangled tv show. Cuz, he's Lance's voice actor in that show. Eugene's best friend and thieving buddy from the past.

[@manuelorozco7760]

FeatheredWingz That would be EPIC!

[@xanscree]

The genie is an absolute legend.

[@dumpling321]

how amazing would this guy be with movie special effects, THIS is what we should have gotten in the movie!

[@hannahheckman2606]

I had to watch this video along with another for my choir class. Fantastic acting skills he has!

[@dunderguy]

This was the first Broadway show I've ever been to and it was amazing. (It also just so happens that I saw it in New York City on my trip in 2016)

[@lily-roseguerin1677]

The show came to Australia and I saw it.. it’s fantastic

[@user-dv4rh2my1x]

Genie = deserved star. Such stamina and range!

[@carlgeib8055]

I really like the genie

[@judahcatherine]

THERES A TASSEL ON THE END OF HIS MICROPHONE I REPEAT THERES A GOLD TASSEL

[@marisalane3939]

I saw this live recently! When the cave of wonders came down I gasped. It is so bright and detained in person. Honestly, I much prefer this version of Friend Like Me over the live action version. It’s so memorable, and if you haven’t listened to the full song you should! A lot of it got cut out for this shortened version!

[@thecadrian2279]

So, so, so GOOD! I need to find this man and get him to train me!

[@sgt.traveler8908]

Anyone else here after Helluva boss ep.7?

[@user-ny9km5xj8y]

I actually saw this show before hellava boss ep7 and I just realized he voiced Ozzie

[@TheEmbodimentOfLust]

You singing love songs in my lustful lounge?

[@jeftematias4263]

I'm never tired of watching this masterpiece 🥰

[@paleloser4459]

I was watching this in Memphis at the Orpheum (I live in Memphis) and in the beginning when he pulls out the lamp he accidentally pulled out a grizzlies hat. It was hilarious.

[@well-being2608]

めっちゃ良いジーニー…完全に場を支配してる…

[@vampireprincess07]

I saw Aladdin in Minneapolis last night. Marcus M. Martin did an amazing job as Genie. I highly recommend the production to everybody. I like the broadway version more than the live-action film.

[@tasha3757]

Ive rewatched this about 35 times. No exaggeration either 😅

[@experiment0789]

Genie: Hey kid can you tap dance Aladdin: No Genie: You can now LOL!

[@colbygeil4584]

I wonder if before his last high note when he turns around if its so he can take a big undisguised breath so he can hit that high note. He’s got to be at least a little out of breath by the time he gets there. Also, regardless how tired or out of breath he is there, you can barely tell at all because he either hides it well or he just isn’t. Either way, it’s incredibly impressive! If I tried to do that, I’d be weeding and gasping on the floor before we got halfway through.

[@Drehmomentdante]

I came here after Helluva Boss Season 1 Episode 7 dropped

[@ashtheakwardpeep7948]

I’m gonna watch this show on Wednesday!

[@skiarytn6744]

He's so sparkly!

[@lavvaniasathasivam4742]

Goosebumps!!!

[@shawntyler3744]

Adam Jacob is a total package.

[@annikaarteaga6045]

I choreographed a dance with my best friend to this song and I’m so excited to teach and perform it!!! I’m really hoping my dance teacher takes it to National Competition!🥰

[@aljunaibi9690]

The time before corona looks beautiful

[@ericarichter5542]

This is amazing