The Broadway production of the long-running Disney musical Aladdin—which just celebrated its 4,500th performance—has a new friend in Caleb A. Barnett, who stepped into the role of the Genie in May at the New Amsterdam Theatre.
The 25-year-old actor, who had made his Broadway debut in the company as the Genie standby in summer 2023, succeeded long-time Genie Michael James Scott. The current cast of the hit production, based on the blockbuster animated film of the same name, also includes Rodney Ingram in the title role, Sonya Balsara as
Jasmine, and Dennis Stowe as Jafar.
Barnett has also performed in regional theatres throughout the country, including productions of Kinky Boots and The Rocky Horror Show at the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and Sweeney Todd and Rock of Ages at Casa Manana. He also joined Michael Bublé for his 2022 Higher Tour.
In the interview below for the Playbill series How Did I Get
Here—spotlighting not only actors, but directors, designers, musicians,
and others who work on and off the stage to create the magic that
is live theatre—Barnett expresses his gratitude to the professor who helped him succeed, and explains why it’s important to warm up and cool down.
Caleb A. Barnett
(Matthew Murphy)
Where did you train/study?
Caleb A. Barnett: I studied Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma. Roll ‘Chos!
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
Dr.
Sandra Thompson! We call her Dr. T! She was my music theory/sight singing professor and one of the main people who was real with me when I
didn’t know something. She pushed and allowed me to fail so I could
understand the mistakes I was making. Because of her persistence and
tenacity to ensure I succeeded, I get to live my dream eight times a week. I
don’t get here without her.
What are the challenges/rewards of stepping into an already running show like Aladdin? Did Michael James Scott offer any advice about playing the role?
This
show is a physical beast. “Friend Like Me” is an eight-minute number. Once
I’m on stage, I’m going full tilt and will be nonstop talking the entire
time. So pacing was a big adjustment to get used to. But Michael James
Scott gave me some very helpful tips about strategically placing your
breaths in the music, among other tips, that can only come from a 20-plus year veteran like him. I’m extremely thankful and honored to have
learned under him.
Do you have a favorite moment in the show for the Genie?
Oh absolutely. I get the opportunity to improvise just a tad.
So I love to change things up a lot. No show is the same. I feel like it
keeps everyone on their toes and helps me stay present in the story
that we’re telling. I’m chronically online, so thankfully I can put that
to good use, haha. There’s a particular bit that I do at the end of the
show that absolutely hits with the kids. The student matinee reactions
are always the best!
Below, watch Barnett and previous Aladdin Ainsley Melham perform “Friend Like Me” on The View:
Why do you think Aladdin has been such a hit on Broadway and around the world? What does the show mean to you?
This
show is rooted in joy. Broadway began at the New Amsterdam Theatre, and
we get the opportunity to bring escapism and joy to everyone. Whether
English is their first language or not, the audience understands the
magic that happens up on that stage. It’s really cool to see.
Do you have any dream stage roles or actors you would like to share the stage with?
You
know, a lot of my theatre icons have unfortunately passed on (Ken Page
and Adrian Bailey). But in the present tense, I’d love to do a show with
Jasmine Amy Rogers and be directed by Kenny Leon. I’d break down the
door for them.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
I
would tell him it was okay to slow down and take in the process. I had
these habits where I kept thinking, “What’s next? What’s the next
project?” I was never really being present or enjoying being where my
feet were at the time. Genie, for sure, forces you to be present, stay
grounded, and grateful—one of the many gifts this role has given me.
What do you consider your big break?
This show for sure. This being my Broadway debut and all, it only feels right to say this one.
Tell me about a time you almost gave up but didn’t.
Towards
the end of my time in school. I was really struggling and didn’t feel
adequate to the work I wanted to do. I felt like I couldn’t measure up.
About a week or so later, I did my school’s showcase and met my current
agent, which led me to Aladdin less than three months later. Crazy world.
What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
To
warm up and cool down! A car can’t just keep running while it’s
resting; it’ll burn out or damage something internally, so it cools down
after you turn it off. Our bodies are the same. We can get away with it
now while we’re young, but it’ll catch up with you later. I’ve seen
with my own eyes. Your body really does keep the score.
What is your proudest achievement as an actor?
In
my first year in the company, my mother organized a group of about 100
family members and friends (including Dr. T) from the DFW area in Texas
to come and see me in the show. It was one of the most electric nights
of my life. It felt good to be able to do the role in front of so many
who invested time and effort into my growth as a person. It made it all
worth it.
