What would you wish for? Chatham High Alum Adi Roy to play Aladdin on Broadway; Takes Over Role June 4th at Amsterdam Theatre

CHATHAM, NJ -- If a fun-loving blue genie walked up to you and said that you get three wishes, would one of your wishes be to become a Broadway star? Well, that wish came true for Chatham High School graduate Adi Roy .

When Roy was in 8th grade, he received the lead role of Aladdin in his middle school play. Was it a weird glance into the future knowing that Roy would play Aladdin again on Broadway only several years later?

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“Ever since seeing Adi play Aladdin in 8th grade, I knew he was a special and gifted performer…(we) used to joke with him that he’d be reprising his role again on Broadway one day” Laura Russo , Chatham theater director, said.

The New Amsterdam Theatre, the oldest operating theater on Broadway, will welcome Roy to the starring role on June 4th. “I knew this would happen eventually -- I just did not think it would be this quickly,” Russo said.

Broadway’s Aladdin is based on the Disney 1992 film and has been performed at the New Amsterdam Theatre ever since 2014. The musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Featured Actor in a Musical for James Monroe Iglehart as Genie. Unfortunately, the show was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed performances shortly after.

Since its first opening, Broadway’s Aladdin has put on more than 3,500 performances. Roy will succeed Michael Maliakel , and join a cast with Michael James Scott as Genie, Sonya Balsara as Jasmine, Dennis Stowe as Jafar, Zach Bencal as Babbak, JC Montgomery as Sultan, and Don Darryl Rivera as lago.

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Before Broadway, Roy was in the choir program at CHS for four years, one year in Concert Choir and three years in Chamber Choir. Roy also participated in the NJ All-State choir for several years and placed in multiple events at the Governor’s Award Theatre Competition including Musical Solo.

“I have many fond memories of Adi, but two stand out. The first was when he was a sophomore playing Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream," Russo said . "I knew that Adi had a fantastic voice, but I did not realize how strong of an actor he was until this production.

"The second is his final performance at CHS as Jesus in Godspell which we never got to perform for an audience because of the pandemic. I will never forget him singing ‘Beautiful City’ -- we were lucky to get it on video, and it still brings tears to my eyes when I watch it. He was also in Fiddler on the Roof and Hunchback of Notre Dame. ”

The 21-year-old started his career while in college at New York University, performing as Phoenix in Jagged Little Pill . Additionally, Roy founded Broadway Across America in 2022, a company that works with producers to bring Broadway musicals that you would see in New York and bring it on the road. They travel with nine 53-foot-long trucks and bring 70-75 theater professionals to travel with them.

“Adi is proof that dreams can come true," Russo said. "Performing on Broadway certainly is not an easy road, but it can happen. Adi is a naturally gifted performer. He did not take years of vocal and acting lessons to get where he is today, which shows that even those without the resources to train at a young age can be successful.”

Russo has been the theater director at the high school for many years, and continues to bring her students to their maximum potential.

“Theater can really change a person’s life -- it did that for me when I was in high school," Russo said. "It gives so many young people a place to feel accepted and express themselves. My favorite part of teaching and directing theater is watching the growth that happens over time. I particularly love to see actors transform from their freshman to senior year.”

Chatham High Director of Choral Activities Ken Bryson also worked with Roy in the past in both choir and the school musicals. Bryson received his bachelor of music degree from The Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and later earned his master’s at The Juilliard School. In addition to teaching at the high school, he also leads a private vocal studio and founded Singing for a Cure . He centers his teaching around healthy and technically proper singing.

“I could not be prouder of Adi’s success," Bryson said. "He is such a naturally talented artist.”

As the Genie said in Aladdin “I’m free! I’m free at last! I’m hitting the road, I’m off to see the world!”. Indeed Roy will be starting a new adventure, and a very exciting one. You can check out this website to buy tickets to see Roy perform starting June 4th: https://aladdinthemusical.com/tickets/

“I’m so unbelievably proud of Adi," Russo said. "This success could not have happened to a better person. Not only is he talented, but such as hardworking, humble, and kind young man. I look forward to watching him perform for many decades.”

Editor's note: Isabella Bickenbach is a Chatham High School student working for TAPinto Chatham through the CHS Senior Internship Program.

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