By Kimberlee St. Clair
Aida, a musical based on an opera originally written by Antonio Ghislanzoni and magically converted to an award-winning Broadway musical with music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, stunningly presented by SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem.
Aida is a story that begins in a modern day museum with scattered Egyptian artifacts and quickly takes us to the ever-conquering Egyptians, led by Radames (Tyson Wright). After capturing some Nubian women, their ancient enemies, and forcing them into slavery, Zoser (Kyle Baugh) commands that they be sent to mine to work. Baugh is evil, cunning and easily plays the role of villain. Quickly intervening, Radames requests they be sent to work in the farms, sparing the Nubian women from a certain death. And that is where a splendid forbidden love story begins to emerge.
One of the captives includes Nubian Princess, Aida (Jalyn Macedone). On their own, both Wright and Macedone completely captivate the audience with their voices, but the most thrilling part is the goosebumps during their duets in the second act. Macedone has an angelic voice and paired with Wright’s, the harmonies and weaving of the various parts are breathtaking.From the beginning, Kirt Banks as Mereb brings perfectly timed comedic laughs, as well as an enthralling duet, “How I Know You.” lso showing a beautiful performance as Nehebka, Abigail Crist, stands out as a stalwart friend even willing to sacrifice herself to save Aida and her Nubian people.
Amneris (Beatriz Melo) betrothed to Radames, commands the stage in her presence. Her shimmering clothes and beautiful red hair only increases her character’s strength. Fabulously performing “My Strongest Suit” was only the beginning of a breakaway performance.
As the story continues, the cast easily moves between Egyptians and Nubians, and the choreography (Rick Robinson) is starkly different between the two nations. Paired with costuming by Kelsey Seaver, the entire cast is beautifully highlighted in their various roles, even pulling out huge rainbow colored scarves that fill the stage during “Dance of the Robe”. Stellar performance by the cast of Nubians, overwhelming with emotion so strong that many audience members rose in their seats during “The Gods Love Nubia”. Director Matthew Herrick has created a thrilling, bittersweet, truly wonderful production.
As the show progresses, the work of scenic designer M’Liss Tolman are showcased with towering columns decorated with dazzling hieroglyphs, lit by flickering torches throughout. Not to be left out, lighting designer Elizabeth Ottley Griffiths uses fabulous colors, light changes, and effects that really capture the feelings right through the end.
With an amazingly diverse cast, SCERA Center for the Arts Aida brings a classical forbidden love story to life, reminding us “we all live elaborate lives”.
Appropriate for families.
Aida presented by SCERA Center for the Arts, 345 East 800 South, Orem, Utah 84097
April 18 – May 4, 2019 7:30 PM
Tickets: $12 – $14
Contact: 801-225-ARTS, https://SCERA.org/events/aida/
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