To celebrate the March 20 first anniversary of the Disney musical Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre, Playbill.com offers the Stage Views of the Aladdin "sidekicks," Steel Burkhardt (Kassim), Brian Gonzales (Babkak) and Jonathan Schwartz (Omar). Their responses, via email, follow.
Steel Burkhardt, Kassim
What show recently impressed you?
I saw The Real Thing back in November – my good friend Alex Bruex was making his Broadway debut. I had no real expectations, not knowing the show, and I must say I was very impressed with the writing as well as the acting in this particular version. Its philosophy of love was very realistic and at times harsh.
What production are you most excited to see?
I can't lie... I need to go and see Mr. Gavin Creel in Book of Mormon. I have already seen him in London and I've already seen him on tour, but I have to see him on the Broadway stage.
What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
I'm going to wait 10 years and if Les Miz is up for another revival, I would love to play Jean Valjean. I better keep working out so I can keep up with Ramin.
What are your current/upcoming projects?
Since I just joined Aladdin, I haven't been very active with looking for new projects or new shows. There are always some ideas on the back burner and only time will tell.
Brian Gonzales, Babkak
What show recently impressed you?
I thought A Night with Janis Joplin was absolutely stunning.
What production are you most excited to see?
Still haven't seen Gentleman's Guide. That's top of my list.
What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
I'm dying to play John Adams in a Broadway revival of 1776. And, if I'm honest, the dream is to play it opposite my wife Ashley as Abigail.
What are your current/upcoming projects?
Currently in Aladdin as Babkak, but my now-and-always top project is my wife and my son Simon.
Jonathan Schwartz, Omar
What show recently impressed you?
I loved that final fight sequence in Rocky -- I was fist pumping, yelling, cheering. I felt like I was at a real fight – the actors and the set really hooked me.
What production are you most excited to see?
My little sister's high school production of Seussical in NJ! I can't see the real thing because of Aladdin, so I'm pumped to see a dress rehearsal on our dark day! Break a leg, Gertrude McFuzz!
What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
Little Shop of Horrors. I'd love to play Seymour.
What are your current/upcoming projects?
I'm writing a bunch, working on a few screenplays/pilots as well as my first musical.
