In ‘A Wonderful World,’ a Jazz Giant, Louis Armstrong, Comes Across as Smaller Than Life
James Monroe Iglehart, whose sunny charisma would seem naturally suited to portraying Armstrong, is not to blame; the main fault lies, as it often does in jukebox hagiographies, with the book.

James Monroe Iglehart became a Broadway star 10 years ago playing the Genie in the original cast of “Aladdin.” The role, voiced in the Disney animated film by Robin Williams, called for a combination of comedic chops and sheer physical stamina — one production number found him singing while running around the stage for a solid eight minutes. Mr. Iglehart earned Tony and Drama Desk awards for his work.
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