Genie grants wish for Zac, 23

Jewish Telegraph, September 2023

MANCUNIAN Zac Frieze has obviously been visited by the genie and had a wish granted.
The 23-year-old actor has just been announced as a member of the ensemble for the touring production of Disney’s Aladdin.
Announcing the role, the former Manchester King David High School pupil wrote on Facebook: “Well this has been hard to keep quiet! From Egypt to Agrabah . . . I’m going to be in a DISNEY MUSICAL?? To be a part of Disney Theatricals is a dream come true.
“I grew up watching the film and now I’m a part of the Original UK Tour. Eek.” (sic)
He added: “I’m very honoured to add Judaism and its history to the many beautiful religions and cultures within the show.
“Also if you told 16-year-old Zac who had never danced and couldn’t even touch his toes that he would be in a Broadway Disney Musical, he would’ve laughed at you. What a madness. Now it’s time to get those gold dancing shoes on!” (sic)
Last year, Cheshire-raised Zac appeared in the UK and international tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Gatley-raised Zac — whose passion for acting was first awakened by Marilyn Blank, musical director and pianist at North Cheshire Jewish Primary School — was cast as Asher, one of Joseph’s brothers, and also performed as the main character at some shows.
The son of Jennie and Daniel Frieze has also appeared in, among others, The Wedding Singer, Company, Rules for Living and The Pirate Queen, as well as The Music of The Night at the Royal Albert Hall.
Last November, 23-year-old Zac organised the Keeping It Kosher concert at The Other Palace Studio in London featuring fellow Jewish performers.
He then organised, with James Evans-Jones, a celebration at the same venue of alternates, covers and swings last month.
The Aladdin tour starts in Edinburgh in October and also visits Cardiff, Plymouth, Sunderland and Milton Keynes, with more dates to be added.
Aladdinthemusical.co.uk