A Review by Keola Kinghorn, Front Row Reviewers
The Utah Festival of Opera and Musical Theatre first brought Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida to Cache Valley in 2005, and then brought Verdi’s opera Aida in 2008, according to Founder and General Director, Michael Ballam. But from July 7-August 5, 2023, both versions (the musical and the opera) will be playing at the Ellen Eccles Theater in Logan, Utah and both are directed and choreographed by the talented John de los Santos. According to Ballam, “John de los Santos is the only person I thought could direct both.” Ballam said there was a long pause on the phone when he asked de los Santos to direct them at the same time, but de los Santos ultimately said the beauty of Cache Valley won him over. When asked what his favorite part has been about directing both at the same time, de los Santos said it was the fact that directing them at the same time has allowed him and the actors, many of whom are in both shows, to understand both better by doing them simultaneously.
This musical begins in modern-day times with an Egyptian statue of Amneris (Adrien Swensen) in a glass case, who acts as a transport to ancient Egypt and the story. There we are introduced to the Captain of the Egyptian army Radames (Charlie Tingen) who is returning from war with captives. He is instantly smitten by the boldness of the enslaved Nubian princess Aida (Sharaé Moultrie) despite being betrothed to the Pharaoh’s (Jared Rounds) daughter. Radames is reminded of his duties to the kingdom by his father Zoser (Lee Gregory) and his right-hand man Mereb (Lance Raikes). While Aida does not first return Radames’s affections, he slowly proves his love for her is genuine by giving up his possessions and helping other enslaved Nubians, including Nehebka (Victoria Okafor). But will this be enough for Aida to return his love? And what about his betrothed, Amneris? Will Radames resist the temptation to continue waging war against the Nubian King, Amonasro (Thomas Cannon)?
The most impressive aspect of the show is the musicality of the company and orchestra, conducted by James M. Bankhead, who started the show by popping his head out of the orchestra pit and placing large sparkly Elton John glasses on his face. Talk about style. This is an exceptionally challenging and rock-heavy score with unique instrumentation for a musical, but the vocalists, musicians, and especially the rhythm section are up to the challenge, and it made for an enjoyable evening.
Stand out numbers include the company number “God Loves Nubia,” which took me to church with its uniting message and powerful harmonies. This number is so moving I could not stop myself from swaying and bouncing in my seat, as a fake sun rose in the back of the set. Another song that affected me was “Elaborate Lives,” and its reprise, which became the mantra of the show. The lyrics are so poignant and applicable even though they were written 23 years ago:
We all lead such elaborate lives
Wild ambitions in our sights
How an affair of the heart survives
Days apart and hurried nights
Seems quite unbelievable to me
I don’t want to live like that
Seems quite unbelievable to me
I don’t want to love like that
I just want our time to be
Slower and gentler, wiser, free.
It is a song I will be thinking about for a while.
Similarly, “Easy As Life,” sung by Moultrie, is an emotional and captivating solo where Aida deliberates between two choices: life and love. Aida sings, “It’s easy, it’s easy as life,” which is fitting since Aida’s life as an enslaved Nubian is anything but easy. When sung, the irony and strength she needs in her situation perfectly shines through. There is a fantastic version of this song by Tina Turner that I love, but I was equally impressed by Moultrie because she brings so much passion and expression to this lead role. Her voice and acting are consistently excellent throughout the production, and I found myself wowed again and again by her. I would not be surprised to see her on Broadway soon.
“I Know the Truth” is another song I have always loved. There is a version by Janet Jackson that is fantastic, but Swensen as Amneris can give Janet a run for her money. Swensen not only can really sing, she also brings so much sass and comic relief to the show that helps this production soar between emotional lows and comical highs. Another one of those comical highs of course is “My Strongest Suit.” Wig and Makeup Designer Melyssa Swensen and Costume Designer Jason Orlenko shine when Swensen does three quick costume changes in one song. Her first ensemble is a very beautiful light pink dress that transforms in to a hot-pink sparkly dress onstage, then she runs off stage and comes back in an entirely different hot-pink dress by the end of the song. I was impressed.
Set Designer Patrick Larsen really outdid himself. I have never seen such a sleek yet intricate design built for such a stage of this size. The marvelous set is a large wooden diamond-shaped rotating set with ascending stairs that turn and change design to serve multiple functions. On the outside of the structure, frames stand adorned with Egyptian symbols. Lighting Designer John Mitchell did a fantastic job with adding to the drama of scenes like “God Loves Nubia,” and “My Strongest Suit.” Thanks to Sound Designer Bryan Richards, the acoustics are flawless.
The Ellen Eccles Theatre uses supertitles during the songs at the top of the proscenium arch, thanks to Projection Designer Sydney Sousa. This is usually reserved only for operas, but I loved being able to understand the lyrics that much more and was able to really take in the message.
The Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida is one you should not miss, especially with this unique opportunity to see it alongside the original opera. I recommend getting your tickets while you still can. Also, if you are a public-school teacher or student you may qualify for free or discounted tickets.
The Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre presents Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls, and David Henry Hwang.
Ellen Eccles Theatre, 43 S Main St, Logan, UT 84321
July 13, August 4 7:30 PM, July 21*, 29*, August 2* 1:00 PM
Tickets: $23-$89.
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