We all [on Aladdin] have a passion to perform and a lot of us trained to do this and there's a certain gratification from knowing that you did your best work and knowing that you are at the level that you are at.

What fuels me is that there are a lot of people coming to Broadway and to the show [Aladdin] for the first time. Lots of kids and lots of adults and it's usually the kids were it's a special moment for them.

That song [ "Proud of your boy" ] in particular, I sing towards the beginning of the show [Aladdin], and what it does is show his wants and needs at the beginning and what's motivating him and carry it throughout the show. It gives him layers and dimensions. He's a well rounded character and it's great.

I remember the first time I saw a Broadway show and how excited I was. That really fuels me and for some, it's the first time they have seen Aladdin.

You can check that box off. You want to make your parents proud for the tuition they paid at NYU.

We all work together to pump each other up. Before the show [Aladdin], we give each other a pound on the back, like a sports team.

I always loved Alan Menken songs and wanted my first album to be a tribute to him and his work. I always loved his music.