PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "Proud of Your Boy!" A Week at St. Louis Muny With Aladdin Star Robin de Jesús

The actor describes the experience of working at The Muny as "P-90x for theatre! An intense workout with amazing results!"

"Putting up 7 shows, back-to-back, can seem daunting at times," says Muny rep Larry Pry. "When you consider we build/paint the sets, coordinate all of the costumes, rehearse the entire show from step 1, rehearse a 27-piece orchestra, design lights and sound for an over 11,000 seat audience... all in 11 days, it's truly Muny Magic! Nowhere else in the world does this happen. The Muny is a one-of-a-kind treasure."

de Jesús offers an in depth look at his experience:

[flipbook]

The cast is headed by Tony nominees Robin de Jesus and John Tartaglia, who star as Aladdin and the Genie, respectively. Joining them are Jason Graae as Omar, Curtis Holbrook as Iago, Francis Jue as Kassim, Eddie Korbich as Babkak, Samantha Massell as Jasmine, Ken Page as the Sultan and Thom Sesma as Jafar. Based on the Disney film of the same name, Aladdin features a book by Chad Beguelin, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, with additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin. The Disney film was written by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, and directed and produced by Ron Clements and Jon Musker.

"We are thrilled to produce this enchanting new musical on our grand stage," said executive producer Mike Isaacson in a previous statement. "I can't wait for this amazing group of actors to work with Gary and Alex to create Muny magic for our audience."

The Muny production has scenic design by Michael Anania, sound design by Jason Krueger, lighting design by Seth Jackson and costume design by Mara Blumenfeld. Greg Anthony serves as the musical director, and the production stage manager is Nevin Hedley.

For more information, call (314) 361-1900 or visit www.muny.org.

PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "Proud of Your Boy!" A Week at St. Louis Muny With Aladdin Star Robin de Jesús

Hey look...I'm a prince! (On my way to the photo shoot.) — PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "Proud of Your Boy!" A Week at St. Louis Muny With Aladdin Star Robin de Jesús

Two-time Tony Award nominee Robin de Jesús, who stars as the title character in *Aladdin* at The Muny, takes Playbill readers behind the scenes at the famed outdoor venue where 7 shows are staged back-to-back every summer (with 11 total days of rehearsal each). Read the Playbill.com story.
59 PHOTOS

Greetings from sunny St. Louis! This is the morning view from the hotel. I love the Chase Park Plaza!

Robin de Jesús

Off to the gym to learn my lines.

Robin de Jesús

Hey look... it's Jackie Hoffman! (She's here to do <i>Chicago.</i>) — Hey look... it's Jackie Hoffman! (She's here to do *Chicago.*)

Robin de Jesús

The call board at the theatre. Time to sign in and start the day.

Robin de Jesús

Rehearsal on the platform. Working a scene with Eddie Korbich and Jason Graae

Robin de Jesús

"All for one, and one for all!"

Robin de Jesús

Our best friend... it's an outdoor theatre!

Robin de Jesús

Waiting for food at the cantina.

Robin de Jesús

Thom Sesma (Jafar) deep in thought.

Robin de Jesús

The guys waiting for their entrance. Notice the Gatorade bottles...it was HOT that day!

Robin de Jesús

Travis showing me the correct way to do a split.

Robin de Jesús

Special treat today! Watermelon break...

Robin de Jesús

Ummm... the other one was occupied?

Robin de Jesús

Oh well... smile for the camera!

Robin de Jesús

Our Genie John Tartaglia getting into the shot

Robin de Jesús

Samantha and Michael resting and taking a break from the heat.

Robin de Jesús

Giving us notes... in the air conditioning!

Robin de Jesús

Ice water was essential.

Robin de Jesús

Preparing for a photo shoot.

Robin de Jesús

Tracy (Prod. Mgr.) and Nevin (Stage Mgr.) overseeing the shoot.

Robin de Jesús

Next Slide