Aladdin

Synopsis

Cole Porter and S.J. Perelman (One Touch of Venus) formed a unique collaboration for what became Porter's last work. Aladdin was written for a ?live' one-off television broadcast in 1958 and has never been screened since. This witty show starred Basil Rathbone and Sal Mineo, and featured the song Come To The Supermarket In Old Peking.

Our Review:

20 August 2012

Lost Musicals revives the lesser known plays of famous playwrights. This time it was the turn of Cole Porter's interpretation of Aladdin, which was filmed for a one-off  live show for American TV in 1958. It also turned out to be Porter's last work.

All previous notions of pantomime Aladdins must be left at the door. This production strips the story back to the bare bones. The cast are dressed in tuxedo or black evening gowns. The stage is bare, with just a white-wash light, and the songs verge on operetta. It is also staged as a kind of rehearsal, with characters carrying black ring-binders containing their scripts. However, the ring-binders are moved around with such fluidity that they become a part of the performance, and take nothing away from the action.

The fourteen-strong cast manage to bring the story alive through brilliant acting. It is hinting at slightly over-the-top Broadway style, and nudges at the door of pantomim...

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