Arabian Nights
Cast -
Aladdin: Ootori Kokona
Genie of the Lamp: Niizuma Yae
Princess Leila: Sasuga Chisa
King: Kathrina Griebel
Abdullah: Yanagiba Panda
Act 1 -
“The people of this city don't look down. They work hard and throw themselves into business.”
Aladdin was a young man who loved his vibrant city despite its poverty. and enjoyed living each day to the fullest.
By chance, he ended up guiding a girl named Leila, who was dressed in noble attire.
The girl was actually Princess Leila, who had come to the slums under a false identity to inspect the country.
Aladdin took her to his favorite spot overlooking the beautiful sunset.
Realising Leila was nobility, he tried to escort her back to the palace.
Layla, wary, refused.
Aladdin confessed he was indeed a villain of the slums, but it wasn't by choice.
“Thieves aren't born that way. They steal because they're poor, hungry, and no one helps them.”
After further explaining the dangers of walking alone in the slums, Leila understood Aladdin's genuine concern and accepted his kindness.
She then insisted he take her to the place where he grew up first, so she could see the darkness within the kingdom.
Act 2 -
Aladdin met Princess Leila, who longed to save the city's poverty stricken people, and found himself drawn to her.
But at the palace where he escorted her, Aladdin was accused of kidnapping the princess.
Though his life was spared by her plea, on his despondent return journey, the sorcerer Abdullah tempted him.
“Obtain the magic lamp, and your wish will be granted. Will you remain wretched forever? It's all up to you.”
Aladdin headed to the desert.
After great hardship, he obtained the magic lamp and wished to the Genie to be united with Princess Leila.
“Leave it to me! I'll make you the most handsome and wealthy man alive!”
Transformed into a prince by magic, Aladdin presented gifts and sought an audience with the king as a prince from Shambala.
In exchange for the gifts, he gleefully asked the king for Princess Leila.
“Are you saying my heart can be bought with money?”
Feeling like a real prince, Aladdin got carried away.
Princess Leila, feeling disgusted, turned away and left.
Mocked by the Genie for not understanding women's hearts, Aladdin devised a plan to redeem himself.
Impressed not only by the Genie's amazing magic but also by his kind willingness to help his master, Aladdin suddenly asked what the Genie's own wish was.
The Genie was surprised, saying, “That's the first time anyone's asked me that,” but explains he can't say because once he makes a wish, he'll be trapped in the lamp forever...
Act 3 -
After receiving the Genie's guidance on how to treat women, Aladdin immediately apologised to Princess Leila.
Princess Leila, who had been suspicious of Aladdin's true identity, confirmed he was the same Aladdin she met in the slums and asked, “Who exactly are you?”
With the Genie's help, Aladdin gained Princess Leila's trust.
He confessed he used magic to become a prince and that he had feelings for her, deepening their bond.
Having had his wish granted, Aladdin thanked the Genie and offered to grant the Genie a wish in return, but the Genie evaded the topic.
Meanwhile, the sorcerer Abdullah revealed his ambitions, beginning to manipulate the king's mind with magic.
Abdullah stormed into Aladdin's quarters with guards, captured him with magic, and finally seized the lamp.
It was all Abdullah's scheme; he had manipulated Aladdin to obtain the lamp and seize control of everything.
“Genie of the Lamp! I am your master now. Make me king of this land!”
Aladdin was imprisoned in the dungeon, and Leila was forced to marry Abdullah, who was now the king.
On the day of the ceremony, with her father and Aladdin held hostage, Leila, tears streaming down her face, was about to swear allegiance to Abdullah and become his wife.
Then, Aladdin, having escaped from the dungeon, rushed in.
Act 4 -
Appearing before the weeping Leila, Aladdin stopped her vows.
He kicked aside the guards and thrust his sword at Abdullah's throat.
But the Genie, unable to disobey his master's command, restrained Aladdin.
“Why are you helping this man?”
Aladdin asked, but the Genie gave no answer.
Abdullah, wearing a mad grin, ordered the Genie to deliver the final blow.
“Inflict unbearable pain upon Aladdin. Make it entertainment before the ceremony.”
Princess Leila watcheed Aladdin gasp for breath, while the Genie's expression darkened further.
After a long hesitation, the Genie revealed his inner thoughts: everyone whose wish he granted ended up like Abdullah.
He explained that while most masters he granted wishes to became unhappy themselves, bringing the Genie sorrow, Aladdin was the only one who tried to grant the Genie's own wish.
“I was truly happy.”
With tears welling up, the Genie cast his magic, and Abdullah writhed in agony.
The Genie broke the taboo, using his own will to cast magic and save Aladdin.
“This time, you'll grant my wish, right? I'm counting on you.”
Abdullah and the Genie vanished.
Time passed in the kingdom.
Aladdin married Princess Leila and became the official prince.
As punishment for breaking the law, the Genie was sealed inside the lamp and never appeared again.
Looking at the lamp displayed beside the throne, Aladdin murmured to himself.
From now on, he would strive to save the poor.
He knew it was all thanks to the Genie that he could think this way.
“If only I could meet you again...”
He started to say, but then decided against making another wish.
Aladdin smiled sadly.
Aftertalk -
Ootori Kokona
Getting to perform alongside my idol, Yae-chan, like this...it feels like I'm in heaven.
Niizuma Yae
Kokona-san, you're exaggerating.
Ootori Kokona
No, no, it's true! You helped me during the audition too.
Ootori Kokona
During the Arabian Nights run, we could be together all day...but on the next stage, we won't be able to talk this much, will we? I'll miss you a little.
Niizuma Yae
Don't worry, I'll come visit on days when rehearsals are off. If it's a weekend, I could even stay over?
Ootori Kokona
Huh!? Stay over!? But...your parents might worry...!
Niizuma Yae
It's fine♪. I want to be with you. I enjoy talking with you too, Kokona-san.
Niizuma Yae
And...watching you, Kokona-san, dedicated to your acting up close, gives me such good inspiration.