Review By Emily Andersen, Front Row Reviewers
Celebrating the historic Ogden‘s Peery’s Egyptian Theater‘s 100-year anniversary with a production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida is a great way for Ogden Musical Theater to really immerse the audience in the set. The theater is built with Egyptian decorations, so theater guests are brought into the setting as soon as they step into the theater. But it wasn’t just the theater and setting that pulled me into the production of Aida — the leads are enthusiastic and their voices blend perfectly. The ensemble uses emotion and plays to the rhythm of the music with just small motions. And the set and lighting are engaging, pulling through the various scenes. The entire production by director Mark Daniels is wonderful and enjoyable.
Aida, a tragic love story set in ancient Egypt, was originally an opera written by Verdi but was transformed into a musical by Elton John and Tim Rice. Aida had a four-year run on Broadway beginning in 2000. The protagonist Aida (Alexsys Campbell) is a Nubian princess who’s been captured, and falls in love with Radames who is engaged to the Pharaoh’s daughter, Amneris (Allie White). The story is framed by the set of a modern museum at the beginning and end where the statue of Amneris leaves her display to share her story with the audience.
Campbell as Aida masterfully portrays the emotions associated with her love story, and the accompanying guilt she feels about decisions that would have an impact on her people. Campbell has a power-packed voice, and her expressions show her fine acting chops. Jordan Strong’s Radames complements Campbell and White and portrays a relatable character, that of one who is required to adhere to his duty and marry Amneris, but unable to escape his passion for Aida. The audience roots for Amneris although she is the outlier in the love triangle. Campbell invites the audience close to Amneris through the transformation from a doted-on princess to a powerful leader of Egypt. Kaplan Keener as Mereb, Radames’ servant, wows the audience with his acting–it is plain he is devoted to his master. David Jarvis as Zoser portrays the perfect villain, sneering and looming and frightening.
During “Not Me,” Campbell, Strong, White, and Keener bring a melodic quartet that is a joy to experience. The three in the love triangle singing, “A Step Too Far” are delightful as their voices blend and the three actors are so believable. Each of the cast members’ voices match their roles and ranges perfectly. Music Director Jake Heywood has brought out his marvelous cast of singers to perfection. Each note of each song rang to the back of the theater, clear and true.
Odgen Musical Theater’s marvelous set includes a versatile rotating platform that works as a ship, a prison, or a room, and each set moves seamlessly. The varying heights and depths of the stage give the audience an opportunity to be immersed in a way that gives us vibrancy and interest. The impressive acrobatic silk performers are another wonderful way to use the stage’s different levels and bring color and movement to Aida. I was also very impressed with Daniel Garner‘s lighting design, with his blank backdrop showing a circular moon. Every location has different bright colors to set it apart.
Stephanie Petersen‘s sumptuous costumes spatter the stage with even more color and beauty–each scene is delightful and unique. The designs are intricate and glow onstage. I was consistently impressed with the ensemble’s ability to transform from Nubian slaves to audience for the princess and into warriors — playing each role differently and effectively. Their singing, humming, giggling, and dancing complemented the main characters throughout the performance. Amneris’ costumes (and the ensemble in her scenes) are the best. Her wedding dress got the most reactions from the audience – but it was not so much the costume as the process of putting it on during her solo of “I Know the Truth”. The ensemble placed a hat on Amneris that attached to a full veil that rolled down and down, and I heard the audience gasp and whisper, “Wow!” Wig designer Cindy Johnson fills the bill–all the wonderful actors look so perfectly entertaining.
Lindsey Pool‘s choreography is stunning and I felt dazzled by it all. However, I was most impressed with her fight choreography when her players used fighting sticks, or tahtibs. The ensemble and leads crack the sticks to add percussive elements to the music through simple but captivating movements.
Music Director Jake Heywood brings Aida’s wonderful songs to the audience in fine form. His vocalists: principals and ensemble alike, ring out on the stage–and then onto us the audience with precision and grace. The harmonies are spot on and with the help of Colton Tippets‘ sound design, all was enjoyed without a snag. Musicals need perfect musical execution, and Aida has this.
Director Daniels leaves no detail to chance. I was consistently delighted with the ensemble’s ability to transform from Nubian slaves to audience for the princess, and into warriors — playing each role differently and effectively, showing strong direction from Daniels. Their singing, humming, giggling, and dancing complemented the main characters throughout the performance.
Ogden Musical Theatre’s Aida is one this reviewer would recommend for all audiences; however, there is one scene with sexual themes. (Amneris’ anger after her betrothed Radames does not come into her room was the scene that got the most laughter from the audience, so it is tame enough for kiddos.)
Aida, playing in Ogden, is a delightful show filled with passion, gorgeous music, dancing, sets, and costumes that are a feast for audience members. Take your family and enjoy this updated love story.
Ogden Musical Theatre presents Aida, with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice inspired by Verdi’s opera.
Peery’s Egyptian Theater, 2415 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401
July 26-27, 29, August 1-5, 8-10, 2024 7:30 PM with additional 2:00 PM matinees on Saturdays and a 4:00 PM performance on Sunday, August 4.
Tickets: $20-28, $10 tickets for students are available for the showing on August 2 and August 4. $15 tickets are available with any program for another play.
ASL Night is August 1, call ahead for seating near an interpreter, (801) 689-8700
Ogden Musical Theatre Facebook Page
Ogden Musical Theatre is located near a paid parking garage, but I opted to park a little further away in a free parking garage that was about two blocks away. I would suggest reviewing the map provided on the theater’s website and planning ahead.
0 Comments