Letting the Genies of 'Aladdin' Out of the Bottle

In this heartfelt episode of All of It, host Alison Stewart interviews Michael James Scott, the longest-running Genie in Broadway's Aladdin, as he prepares to take his final bow on May 3rd. Scott, who began as a standby in Toronto in 2013 and has since toured globally, reflects on his 4,000+ performances with pride, gratitude, and a deep personal transformation—particularly the lesson of not apologizing for who you are. He shares insights into the physical and emotional demands of the role, emphasizing energy management, prayer, and fried chicken as key to sustaining his performance. Caleb Barnett, Scott’s announced successor, joins the conversation, sharing his excitement and the lessons learned as a standby covering multiple roles. Barnett speaks about the importance of being ready at all times, the joy of performing for audiences of all ages, and his deep respect for the legacy of the role. The episode captures a poignant passing of the torch, underscored by themes of legacy, joy, and resilience in the theater world. Both guests emphasize the universal magic of Aladdin—the ability to unite audiences across generations through wonder, laughter, and light. The episode also highlights the enduring power of live theater to inspire and uplift, as evidenced by a listener’s story of celebrating their 68th birthday with a trip to the show. The conversation reveals how the Genie’s role transcends entertainment, becoming a life lesson in authenticity and presence. Scott’s advice to 'try not apologizing for who you are' resonates as a central takeaway, while Barnett’s commitment to honoring the legacy of past Genies underscores the continuity and responsibility that comes with such a celebrated role. The episode closes on a warm, celebratory note, celebrating not just a performance, but a shared human experience of joy and connection.