AARON CHOI (Iago). National tour debut! Regional credits: Honeymoon in Vegas (Marriott Theatre), A Christmas Story (Paramount Theatre), Spamalot (Short North Stage), Seusssical (Fulton Theatre), Wizard of Oz (The Muny). Other credits: Man of LaMancha (Sancho) & Peter Pan (Smee). Ohio raised, Chicago dweller. Thanks to Stewart Talent, friends & family for their support. @trueaaronchoi

What was your path to becoming a professional actor?
Mine was a pretty typical path. I started young in children’s theatre and worked my way up in community theatre productions. I went to college and got training and two degrees (BA Music & BA Theatre). And then did the real job, auditioning. Auditioned and auditioned and auditioned. Getting lucky along the way and getting hired at a number of regional theatres until I was consistent making a living by performing.

What was the audition process like for this show?
I auditioned for this role (Iago) six times previously before I got the role. For this tour, my agent contacted me and told me that the artistic teamed wanted me to send in another tape of me performing the audition packet they’d sent. Funny enough, I had semi-retired from performing when my agent contacted me. I decided to do the audition, kind of assuming I wasn’t going to get it. A few weeks later, I got a call that I had a callback via Zoom. I prepared for that, did the Zoom callback and was contacted a few hours later with news of a final callback in New York City. Weeks later I was on a plane to NYC and performed my final callback. On the Wednesday after my final callback I got a call from my agent that I’d booked the role.

What’s your favorite part about touring the country with ALADDIN?
Getting to bring professional live theatre to places and people who may never get to experience a Broadway caliber show. I grew up in rural Ohio, and even the idea of going to New York to see a Broadway show was not something my family could afford. But my dad would drive me hours to Cleveland or Columbus to see the national tours come through. Seeing those shows was pivotal in my future as a performer. I want to be that for some kid in the audience.

What do you enjoy most about performing in this show every night?
Getting to help the audience escape from their every day for a few hours by entertaining them and seeing my fellow actors shine.

What has the audience reaction been to ALADDIN?
Phenomenal! The audiences have been amazing and so supportive. I love hearing the gasps and applause when the magic carpet takes flight!

If you weren’t an actor, what profession would you pursue?
Probably something still in the arts or arts-adjacent, like a casting director or talent agent. If not in the arts, probably working in menswear or as a tailor.

What is one thing you’d wish for from the Genie?
To never have to worry about money ever again, or be able to digest dairy products again!

What item can’t you live without while on tour?
My iPad. I like to binge watch true crime documentaries and also do a lot of digital art work.

Dream role?
Honestly, I just want to be performing consistently, that’s the dream. But if I had to pick, the Engineer in MISS SAIGON or Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.

Favorite Disney character?
Other than Iago, Stitch from LILO AND STITCH.