New Princess Jasmine for Aladdin
Disney Theatrical Productions has confirmed that Perth-born, Brisbane-based performer Shubshri Kandiah (right) will take over the role of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin from Wednesday 23 May.
The role will mark Shubshri’s professional musical theatre debut, having graduated from Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University in December last year. She will play Princess Jasmine for the final two weeks of the Brisbane run at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre, before taking flight for her hometown of Perth with performances from 19 July at Crown Theatre.
Shubshri succeeds Hiba Elchikhe, who has played the feisty Disney Princess for the past 18 months.
Shubshri was Born in Perth and began performing at a young age, learning classical Indian dance, ballet and violin. She moved to Brisbane to study a Bachelor of Music Theatre at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. Prior to graduation she performed the role of Ayah in Opera Queensland’s The Pearlfishers and featured in Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s An Evening with Liz Callaway, chosen to sing a duet with the Broadway legend.
Broadway Director Casey Nicholaw said; “It’s a thrill to welcome a new Princess Jasmine to the Aladdin family. Shubshri is a singular, young talent and we’re delighted that she will be making her music theatre debut in Agrabah!”
Shubshri said; “To call this a dream role is an understatement. Jasmine was the first Disney princess I saw onscreen who looked like me; now as an adult her strength and self-confidence is something I aspire to. I’m incredibly thankful and beyond excited to play such an iconic role in one of the largest shows ever staged in Australia. This really is a whole new world for me – I can’t wait to take that magic carpet for a spin.”
Shubshri joins Gareth Jacobs in the role of Genie, Ainsley Melham as Aladdin, Adam Murphy as Jafar, Aljin Abella as Iago, George Henare as the Sultan, Adam Jon Fiorentino as Kassim, Troy Sussman as Babkak and Robert Tripolino as Omar.
Tickets for the Brisbane and Perth seasons are available from aladdinthemusical.com.au
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