The critically acclaimed Broadway musical “Aida” brought the house down Tuesday night as it kicked off its two-week run at Ohio Theatre.
Set in ancient Egypt, the play tells the story of a Nubian princess, Aida, taken from her homeland by an Egyptian military captain named Radames. Even though the captain is set to wed the pharaoh’s daughter, Amneris, he and Aida find themselves testing the boundaries of a forbidden love between master and slave, conquerer and conquered.
Paulette Ivory and Jeremy Kushnier do a magnificent job of portraying the star-crossed lovers in the production. Their chemistry together is very electric, and you can sense the desparation between the two as they try to sort out some way to be together, even though it appears that it’s not meant to be. Both Ramades’ and Aida’s fathers are against them being together, since the two countries are locked in war. As adversaries, the fathers cause further complications for the couple, drawing the inevitable “Romeo and Juliet” comparison. The story is based on a tried and true story line, but the songs and settings for the musical make it an original experience all its own.
“Aida” is the first time since Disney’s “The Lion King” that Tim Rice and Elton John have worked together. The songs are a good mix of different styles, and they have a modern, contemporary feel to them. There are rock songs, tribal rhythms, folksy pieces, ballads and of course, songs that are big, brash and everything Broadway pieces are typically known for. The only criticism of the music is it doesn’t always match up with what’s going on in a particular scene. For example, when Radames fights with his father, Zoser (Micky Dolenz), and realizes the arranged marriage his father has set up for him is for his father’s gain, Zoser breaks into “Like Father Like Son.” It’s not that the lyrics don’t relate well to the scene, but the music didn’t match the intensity of the situation.
The players in the production had seamless transition from actor to singer, and back again. Some might think with so much shifting between singing and acting some performers would show a strength towards one or the other; this isn’t the case with the cast of “Aida.” The performers are polished actors and gifted singers. The three main players – Aida, Radames, and Amneris (Lisa Brescia) – create an entrancing aura when singing on their own, but they are especially showstopping when it comes to harmonizing together. It’s an original situation they create; you can watch each character’s despair but at the same time, see the irony of them all wanting the same thing.
The set and costume designer Bob Crowley, brought the production to life with his 3-D sets; they were so rich with attention to color and detail, giving the illusion that everything was being witnessed first-hand. Most notable of Crowley’s sets was his swimming pool scene – it actually had characters on wires, giving the illusion there were actually people swimming through the painted scene. But scenes weren’t limited to just Crowley’s work; lighting designer Natasha Katz’s creations were scenes of their own. Not only did the lighting add just the right touch of atmosphere, but at one point she put the three lovers in a triangle of light, conceptually capturing their bond, and presenting the characters in a simple, but powerful, scene.
For those looking for the complete Broadway experience, it would be hard to find a production with the quality and value that the Tony Award winning “Aida” presents; it is a total, energetic package of song, dance and dramatic story. The production runs through May 4 and shows start at 8 p.m. There are special $20 student tickets available for the 2 p.m. matinee on May 2, which are available at the Ohio Theatre box office.
