Granting the wishes of his fans, Orlando’s own Michael James Scott—best known as the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin—will bring his holiday show, A Fierce Christmas, back to his hometown.
Featuring full symphonic arrangements by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, the show—slated for Saturday, November 28 in Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center—will feature holiday favorites and songs from Scott’s A Fierce Christmas album, along with a singalong and a visit from Santa. There’ll be two shows, at 2:30 and 7 p.m.
The holiday performance, part of OPO’s Pops Series, will mark a full-circle moment for Scott, who first brought A Fierce Christmas to Orlando in December 2020—during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He performed outdoors at the arts center’s Frontyard Festival on Seneff Arts Plaza, which was launched when indoor shows were paused.
“Orlando will always be home,” says Scott. “This is the community that helped a little boy with a very big dream believe he could actually do this. Every time I perform here, I think about my teachers, my family and the people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself.”
An award-winning actor, director, writer and singer, Scott—a graduate of Dr. Phillips High School—has enjoyed an extraordinary international career as a performer.
In addition to Aladdin, his Broadway credits include The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten!, Mamma Mia! and Hair, along with acclaimed international tours and numerous productions on London’s West End.
Today, Scott’s work extends beyond the stage. He stars as Nurse Francois Dubois in ABC and Hulu’s revival of Scrubs, recently debuted his Orlando-inspired pop single “Brighter” on Good Morning America, and co-hosts the podcast HypeFriend! with childhood pal Ashley Eckstein.
He also lends his voice to Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish and packs venues for his symphonic show, A Dream Is A Wish: Michael James Scott’s Broadway. For Scott, A Fierce Christmas offers a chance to reimagine his holiday show while preserving its gospel, soul and Broadway roots.
Dr. Phillips Center is located at 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando. For more information, call 407.358.6603 or visit drphillipscenter.org.
