Aida, a musical by Elton John and Tim Rice, revolves round a Nubian princess who’s captured and enslaved after her kingdom is overrun by the Egyptian military. She is introduced again to Egypt, the place she is “gifted” to Amneris, Pharaoh’s daughter, to function one other one in every of her many handmaids. Amneris’ betrothed and Aida’s captor, Radames, is a courageous and boastful captain who, subsequently – and slightly predictably – falls in love with the assured and exquisite Aida. As Radames and Aida’s emotions for one another deepen, the couple faces large obstacles, together with jealousy, pleasure and warring nations. Aida, torn between her love for Radames and her obligation to her folks, struggles with loyalty to each her coronary heart and her homeland. Spoiler alert: because it was initially conceived as an opera, the story ends tragically but in addition has a glimmer of hope with Amneris’ steadfast resolve to rule Egypt with compassion, recognizing the futility of warfare and the facility of affection.
Aida, written by the beloved composer Giuseppe Verdi, was first commissioned by and premiered at Cairo’s Khedivial Opera Home in December 1871. The trendy adaptation premiered on Broadway in 2000 to principally optimistic evaluations with many praising the vocals, music and manufacturing values whereas noting the present’s storyline and character arcs had been a bit skinny. The music is certainly emotive and fascinating in nature with songs like “Written within the Stars” and “The Gods Love Nubia.” I loved the musical’s mix of pop, rock and Broadway kinds, amongst others. I watched a tech rehearsal the place the Springfield Theatre Centre manufacturing crew was nonetheless finalizing a number of mild results and set particulars however general, it was a memorable manufacturing, primarily due to the powerhouse vocals and passionate performances.
Jasmine French (Aida) and Reggie Guyton (Radames), who each got here straight off their indelible turns in STC’s Lease to star in Aida, command the stage because the star-crossed lovers. Each regal and susceptible, they’ve fantastic chemistry and moved me a number of instances with their demonstrative portrayals. French, within the title function, is a pressure. It might not shock me within the least to study her songs have been bringing audiences to their ft each evening.
Proper alongside them is Kinsey Peotter performing the function of Princess Amneris. Because the third level within the love triangle, Peotter’s characterization is equally humorous, flirtatious and unhappy. Her singing wowed me a number of instances, most notably throughout “I Know the Reality.” Justin Johnson additionally impressed together with his vocals and villainous characterization of Prime Minister Zoser.
The whole ensemble did an important job elevating the present. Vocal director Tiffany Williams had everybody sounding improbable, and the orchestra within the fingers of Blake Martin created a number of tingly moments. The solid carried out on a easy however efficient set by Aimee Daniels whereas carrying fittingly stylized and some glittery enjoyable costumes by Miriam Carter. Choreography by Autumn McDevitt and lighting design by Kevin Hootey Kline and Chad Hayes rounded out the manufacturing.
An statement: I really feel like I have been seeing extra interval exhibits the place performers are carrying their very own modern glasses onstage, as was the case right here. Whereas it won’t be a complete deal-breaker for an viewers, I do admit I discover it considerably distracting. I empathize with actors of the bespectacled class however every time I see it, I really feel a bit of like Christopher Reeve discovering the penny in Someplace in Time. I did hear directions reminding the solid to take away their watches earlier than the rehearsal began so maybe an identical observe about setting one’s trendy glasses apart or employees discovering extra refined eyewear befitting the period is not too far on the market.
Co-directors Megan Hickman and Emily Noel did an admirable job of assembling and main a succesful solid and employees who’re clearly devoted to telling this story in a considerate manner. And whereas it does finish on that slightly unhappy observe, there may be nonetheless a hyperlink to the current that leaves one feeling hopeful – a reminder for all of us that we will study from our previous and evolve into a greater future.
STC’s Aida continues Friday, Feb. 14, and Saturday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. on the Hoogland Middle for the Arts within the LRS Theatre. Tickets obtainable at HCFTA.org or on the door.“
