By Willow Becker
For a town as small as Layton, producing a show that demands diversity and incredible skill is a challenge, but On Pitch Performing Arts (OPPA) has been able to pull it off with Aida. The show originally premiered on Broadway in 2000 after Disney decided it wasn’t really suited for an animated feature. The show, powered by the Elton John/Tim Rice juggernaut behind The Lion King, opened to instant success and took home four Tony Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Performance by a Leading Actress.
Although Layton is far removed from the bright lights and big stars of Broadway, OPPA manages to uncover some diamond-in-the-rough performances that give the production all the punch of its long-lost New York cousin.
Aida is a story about a love that transcends circumstances. When Egyptian Captain Radames (Kris Crowl) captures a band of Nubian women on a raid, he unknowingly enslaves Princess Aida (Quesley Bunch). There is an instant connection between the Captain and the Princess, which foils the plots of Radames’ father, Zoser (Asa Nielson) to marry his son to the Pharaoh’s daughter, Princess Amneris (Dede Williams).
Aida’s royal parentage is discovered by Mereb (Conner Blankman), a Nubian slave in the king’s court. Soon, all the Nubian slaves are looking to Aida to save them from captivity by using her close association and friendship with Amneris to help them escape. When Aida’s father, Amonasro (Dylan Brinkman) is captured by the Egyptians, she must decide between her love for Radames and the lives of those she loves.
Truthfully, the standout performance in this show is from Bunch as Aida, whose voice is as powerfully beautiful as the princess she portrays. Not only does she sing with soul and emotion, but she brings chemistry to the scenes between Aida and Radames and a grace to the role that is worthy of a standing ovation.
Crowl offers a very nuanced performance as Radames, singing the song “Radames’ Letter” with such simple honesty that a seemingly inconsequential number number becomes one of the most memorable.
The two main supporting roles—Amneris and Mereb—bring much-needed energy to the show. Williams’ Amneris (a role that is also played on other nights by Cariel Goodwin) lights up the stage with vivacity, stealing the show with her rockabilly vocals in a costume-driven love letter to fashion entitled “My Strongest Suit.” Blankman’s more subdued vocals are matched by a consistent and touching acting performance and his natural comedic timing earns him genuine laughs throughout.
Nielson as Zoser definitely looks the part of the evil royal advisor, and is able to pull off a strong rendition of “Another Pyramid,” almost effortlessly.
Several other main players contribute to the show’s impact. Laura Anderson as Nehebka is a beautiful, strong embodiment of friendship, and her voice alternately blends and soars with Bunch’s in songs like “The Gods Love Nubia” and “Dance of the Robe.” Joel Badger as Pharaoh makes the most of a small part, embodying the poison-ridden king with royal gravitas. And Dylan Brinkman as Amonasro is truly a shining example of talent outstripping part size—though he only has a few scenes, his vocal acting and physicality as Aida’s father transcend the fact that he is clearly a much younger actor.
The ensemble is surprisingly diverse and clearly have put in the time and energy to build unique characters from little material. Choreographer Dede Williams is able to pull incredible physical performances from the cast, with Hyrum Wendel’s capoeira-inspired flips and spins a notable highlight. In addition, Amanda Larsen’s bigger-than-life stage presence and voice contributes to the high impact of “My Strongest Suit,” and shows the audience she’s the kind of woman that can pull off any size headdress. This is unsurprising, as Larsen is also the talented costume designer. As for rising stars, Niamh Helwig is notable every time she is on stage. Not only is her voice strong and her stage presence mesmerizing, but her clear dance training gives her moves a deliberate beauty that is welcomed in community theater.
The staging, lighting, and set design are all very minimalist. Although this makes sense for the small space, it tends to give the audience little to focus on but the actors, who are often stationary or not looking at one another. Still, the lighting design by Brayden Weidman, props by April Daw, musical direction by Dan Tate, and direction Brandon Stauffer all culminate in a beautiful and memorable final scene. The tableau is a tribute to the theme of eternal love and second chances that make Aida an unforgettable experience.
I recommend Aida for families, though it’s a little intense for younger children. However, I loved the show–OPPA has really brought a great message and cast to Layton.
On Pitch Performing Arts Presents Aida by Elton John and Tim Rice. Book by Tim Rice, Music by Elton John.
On Pitch Performing Arts, 587 N Main St, Layton, UT 84041
February 1-February 16, 2019, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $12-$15
Contact: 385-209-1557
On Pitch Performing Arts Facebook Page
Aida Facebook Event
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