March 9, 2023
Shining, shimmering, splendid…That’s how students in the Beachwood Middle School choir felt when they received a visit from actor Adi Roy, star of Disney’s musical Aladdin, which is playing at the Connor Palace Theater, March 8 - 12.
Roy gave a solo performance for choir students in grades 6-12 during a Broadway theater master class on March 9 and discussed what it was like to land the leading role in Aladdin’s North American Tour.
“It was a crazy ride, especially auditioning,” said Roy, who studied at New York University’s Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute. The New Jersey native was invited for five callbacks, an experience he called “nerve racking.”
“Once I got it, I was jumping around my room,” Roy said. ‘It’s been amazing.”
During a Q & A session, students asked Roy a range of questions from his favorite food (sushi) to his favorite song from Aladdin (“Friend Like Me”) and what inspired him to go into acting (his sister).
“My sister did a lot of school plays in elementary school,” he said. “Being a younger brother, you kind of look up to your older siblings.”
Before becoming an actor, Roy told students he dreamed of becoming a mathematician and going to college at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “But ever since I did the Little Mermaid JR in middle school, I knew I wanted to act if I could,” he said.
Video: Actor Adi Roy sings "Heaven's Light" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame musical during a Broadway theater master class.
In addition to singing and acting, Roy said he enjoys performing a number of stunts in Aladdin, including riding a magic carpet and jumping across moving carts.
“The entire show is kind of like a marathon for me,” said Roy. “There’s a little tap number at the end of ‘A Friend Like Me’. I’m not a big tapper, but learning that dance was definitely a beast. I feel like I’ve gotten to a point where it’s getting crisp, so I’m proud of myself for that. That’s the reason why I really love performing that every day.”
When it comes to performing on stage, Roy encouraged choir students not to let fear hold them back. “If you’re feeling scared about it, ask a friend to join you. That’s how I got started,” he said. “I auditioned and did shows with friends. It was an amazing experience.”
When the master class concluded, students joined Roy on stage to sing a Beachwood Middle School favorite: “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang.