5Q: Aladdin — Marcus M. Martin

“5Q” is an online-only column featuring five questions about stage productions in the Metro Area. Periodically, “5Q” will take the form of an interview with actors, directors, writers, etc. to shed some light on the production process.

A Disney favorite is coming back to the Orpheum stage as Aladdin is set to make its Minneapolis return. This thrilling stage production features a full score including the five cherished songs from the original soundtrack, including the Academy Award-winning “A Whole New World,” in addition to even more show-stopping numbers written especially for the stage.

While the animated film was in development, the character of the Genie was based on jazz great Cab Calloway and that original vision was  brought back to life for the Broadway production. Taking on that history and proving why “you ain’t never had a friend like him,” is Marcus Martin in the role of Genie.

Aladdin is consistently lauded for the diverse representation it brings to the stage, and you’ve even credited seeing James Monroe Iglehart, the original Genie on Broadway, as what initially inspired you to go after this role. What does that legacy mean to you?

Seeing a plus-size, African American actor get to take up space on a stage like that gave me permission to dream of things I didn’t know was possible! Being plus-size, black, loud, and overly expressive were things that I was told would hold me back from being a successful actor. And here is a man who is winning a Tony Award for being ALL of those things! The legacy of this role is so rich and I take the responsibility of being part of it extremely seriously. 

You’ve said that playing Genie is one of your “three wishes” granted. What does it mean to you to be playing this role? What makes Genie a dream role for you?

It means everything! This role and this story mean so much to so many people around the world. So many people have a deep connection to this material for many reasons. The fact that I’M the one who gets to make people relive their childhood is something I’ll never take lightly!

Genie is a larger-than-life character with some demanding scenes. How do you take care of yourself to keep up that energy for the entire show?

Being a performer is 10% performance 90% maintenance. Eight shows a week is no joke! A proper warm up throughout the day is important, getting 8-10 hours of sleep is a requirement, not having dairy because it holds you back vocally, drinking room temperature water and electrolytes is a requirement. PACING YOURSELF DURING THE SHOW IS SO IMPORTANT!

You’ve talked before about adding your own flair or “Marcus-isms” to the role. What was the process like to discover your take on Genie and how you embody the role?

I’m really blessed to have a creative team that truly believes in MY Genie and encouraged me to find/embrace MY Genie from day one. I was given the room and the opportunity to play around in rehearsal. Maintaining the integrity of what’s on the page is always the goal. But they still gave me the chance to find out how Genie lives in my voice, body, and soul.

I hear your favorite part of the role is exploring the nuances of Genie, like his desire to be free. Can you tell me more about how you explore the deeper sides of the character and why you love that process so much?

Getting under the surface and surprising the audience is the best part of being an actor. We know that Genie has flash, glitz, glamor, and comedic chops, but we don’t initially know all of the vulnerabilities that are underneath it. Pulling back the layers is the fun part of my job. 

Aladdin runs at the Orpheum Theatre from December 5-10. For more information and to purchase tickets, head to www.hennepintheatretrust.org.