Delving into the Hidden Gems of Disney's Aladdin

Despite The Little Mermaid being the heart of my love for Disney animations, my favorite cut songs and characters come from a different movie altogether. emThe Emperor's New Groove/em might have garnered a non-musical approach which aligns well with the comedy, but what captures my interest are the elements from the visionary Disney film emAladdin/em/p

Aladdin: Howard Ashman's Unseen Masterpiece

Howard Ashman, the legendary lyricist and writer, had what could have been a stunning take on emAladdin/em that was rich with bawdy humor and true-to-source material. This version was never realized, but it left a lasting impact on his contributions to Disney and the broader stage world. If Disney had produced this, audiences would have enjoyed a more historically grounded and humor-filled experience./p

The Unseen Aladdin

The screenplay for The Little Mermaid was a joint effort between Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the musical duo behind numerous Disney soundtracks. Despite the success of the films, Ashman had another vision for Aladdin which was a musical that retained the original emAladdin/em story's essence and shifted the narrative focus from wish fulfillment to self-identity.

Changed Characters and Themes

While working on The Little Mermaid, Ashman proposed Aladdin as a new animated film. His concept was a modern, musical take on the classic Arabian tale. The characters and themes, however, were very different:

Aladdin had a mother who lived with him, leading to a more complex and heartfelt storyline. There were two genies, one in a ring and the other in a lamp. Aladdin's relationship with Jasmine did not develop as quickly, and her character was initially far from the ideal Disney princess.

Aladdin's mother was a potential brilliant character, but Ashman had a different female lead in mind: Abbi. Abbi was more akin to a emgirl next door/em figure, adding a fresh dynamic to the story.

The Catchy Mambos and Ballads

Ashman's extensive work on the Aladdin score included a plethora of catchy tunes, several of which could have made it into a Broadway show. Two songs, emArabian Nights/em and emFriend Like Me/em were finally included in the final movie. However, my favorite remains an emotional ballad, emA Whole New World/em, which was originally meant for the character of Abbi. It captures the depth of a character in a way that resonates with the audience.

Jasmine: A Spoiled Princess Transforming

Jasmine, as originally written, was a far cry from the beloved princess we know. She was portrayed as a vain, snobbish, and arrogant girl who whined about every trivial matter to her father. Her transformation from this character to the sassy, brave, and intelligent woman we admire was a crucial aspect of the film's revision. Her journey to self-acceptance and independence was a key theme in the final rendition of Aladdin.

The Journey of Abbi

Abbi, the girl next door, was another fascinating character. She could be seen as an antagonist or ally, depending on the audience's perspective. Her inclusion would have added a layer of complexity to the story. The character's journey would mirror that of Aladdin, helping to build a unique bond with him. This mix of comedy and drama could have made the film a true gem.

Unfortunately, these stories did not come to fruition due to various reasons, but they remain a testament to the creativity and depth that Howard Ashman brought to his work. Fans can only imagine how the film might have evolved with these changes. The passion and dedication of Ashman and Menken to the craft of storytelling is evident in the countless elements that can be found in other Disney films and productions.