Akron native, BW grad takes on larger than life role as ‘Genie’ in Disney’s Aladdin at Playhouse Square

CLEVELAND — Get able to mud off that magic carpet and put together to enter a “Complete New World!”

Disney’s beloved Aladdin makes a triumphant return to the Connor Palace Theatre this week.

The limited-run musical options some severe home-grown star energy.

Marcus M. Martin is sliding into these gigantic gold Genie footwear and hoping to take you on a trip you will always remember.

He says there isn’t a place higher to do it—than proper right here in Cleveland.

It has been a pinch-me second all week lengthy for the Akron native.

Martin says he is able to placed on for town that formed him as a performer and an individual.

“This group, Northeast Ohio is the place I dreamed of dwelling a life that I am now dwelling. So, to get to deliver it residence and share it with the folks which can be part of my journey it means a lot to me,” Martin stated.

Sporting his finest blue swimsuit for his Information 5 debut, Martin will swap it out for one thing *SLIGHTLY* extra eye-popping—when he takes on the larger-than-life, dream position of “Genie” in Disney’s Aladdin.

It comes from the producer of The Lion King.

Dubbed a “breathtaking spectacle”—the manufacturing is full of magnificence, magic, and comedy that Martin says has a real “Genie Blue” generational attain.

“You have got mother and father that grew up with the 1992 movie that are actually bringing their youngsters that noticed the live-action remake, and so they’re excited trigger they noticed that model,” Martin stated.

All the expertise is surreal, and a dream come true for the Miller South College for the Visible and Performing Arts and Copley Excessive College graduate.

For his thirteenth birthday—his mother really purchased him a Playhouse Sq. season subscription to the Broadway Sequence.

Falling in love with each aspect of theatre—he would renew it 12 months after 12 months.

“We’d come to this very theatre and see the entire exhibits and we’d discuss them, and I might dream about being part of it,” Martin stated.

The dream is now a actuality.

“This foyer brings me again to begging my mother to purchase me a t-shirt for no matter present was right here, and I actually beloved the present. That is sometimes the place they hold the merch.”

Martin expects his household to be the rationale they promote out of Aladdin t-shirts in the course of the run of the present.

He credit his family members, religion, and Baldwin Wallace College for serving to catapult him to stardom.

His fellow alumni Nyla Watson carried out in Hadestown and Warren Egypt Franklin starred in Hamilton just some weeks in the past.

“We’re seeing the outcomes of what is taking place. One thing particular is happening in Berea, Ohio. It is an honor to be part of that legacy and have my title added to the record!” Martin stated.

The native star energy continues with Kent State College graduate and Cleveland native Cody Hernandez set to carry out as “Jafar” Friday night time.

Disney’s Aladdin runs by means of Sunday.