BRUNSWICK – Elton John and Tim Rice’s “Aida” opens Wednesday, July 19, at Maine State Music Theatre and runs through Aug. 5.
Taking the story from Verdi’s classic opera, Elton John and Rice have created a rock musical with a variety of musical styles from rock ballad to hard-driving contemporary rhythms, as well as rousing choral numbers and captivating ethnic themes.
“This is one of Elton John’s best scores,” said Steven Peterson, MSMT’s executive vice president. He said a lot of people are familiar with the high quality of music in “The Lion King,” also by the composer/performer who dominated pop music charts in recent decades. He believes the music in “Aida” is of the same high caliber.
This version of “Aida” tells the tale of love between a soldier and an enslaved princess – a love that condemns them to death, but ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between two warring nations, heralding an unprecedented time of peace and prosperity.
“Aida” is aimed at a mature audience rather than the family target of a show like “The Lion King.” It’s about a love triangle, and its themes are contemporary.
The curtain goes up on the Egyptian wing of a major museum,with audience members seeing a group of contemporary museum-goers admiring artifacts of a time long ago. The crowd is gathered around the most mysterious of the objects – an ancient burial chamber.
Two visitors, a very beautiful man and woman, move toward the burial chamber as if they know its secrets or have seen it somewhere before. The man is Radames; the woman is Aida. Their eyes meet as the powerful voice of Amneris proclaims, “Every story is a love story.” The stage is left empty, except for the two lovers – and their story of love, loyalty, betrayal and courage unfolds.
Aida, a royal Nubian princess, is captured by Radames, a pharaoh-in-waiting. However, complications arise when the two fall in love. The rub is that Amneris, the daughter of the Pharaoh, and Radames are betrothed.
To do justice to the rock and pop styles required by the score, Peterson said MSMT has added some new synthesizers as well as other musical instruments and equipment to the pit.
The show’s most recognizable song is “Written in the Stars,” which reached platinum status in recording sales. Other musical highlights in “Aida” are “Another Pyramid,” “My Strongest Suit,” “Elaborate Lives,” “A Step Too Far” and “Easy As Life.”
Though set in ancient Egypt, this new “Aida” has been significantly updated and is infused with the energy of Elton John’s unique brand of late 20th century pop music. Sir Elton’s famous friendships and lifestyle even influence the story. It has been suggested that a character is based on Princess Diana, and one entire number, “My Strongest Suit,” is dedicated to high fashion.
Peterson said the set is representational of ancient Egypt with scenes beside a river and on a boat. The costumes are done in a style that is Egyptian with a modern twist. “They are very innovative and clever,” he said.
Tonya Dixon, who plays Aida, “is just amazing,” Peterson said, noting MSMT was lucky to find that Dixon’s most recent engagement in Las Vegas was ending at a time that allowed her to join this production. It’s Dixon’s debut at MSMT. She has performed on Broadway in “Ragtime.”
The role of Amneris is played by Amy Bodner, who has played lead roles in several MSMT shows in recent years. She was Laurey in “Oklahoma!” and she performed as Ellen in “Miss Saigon,” as Lucy in “Jekyll and Hyde,” as Jenny Starhaven in “Hans Christian Anderson” and as Laura in “Swing!”
Greg Goodbrod, who was seen as Lt. Cable in MSMT’s “South Pacific” last month, returns as Radames. He was Chris in “Miss Saigon” last year.
Stuart Marland, a veteran of shows at the Brunswick theater, portrays the evil minister Zoser, father of Radames, who employs sinister techniques to gain the pharaoh’s throne for his son.
Arthur W. Marks makes his MSMT debut as the wily Nubian slave Mereb, who befriends Aida and assists her captured father.
Ron Botting, who has been in “Tommy” and “Camelot” at MSMT, will portray the Pharaoh.
MSMT’s “Aida” is directed and choreographed by Donna Drake, who was in the original Broadway company of “A Chorus Line” and the original production of “The 1940s Radio Hour.” Her work has earned an Emmy nomination, three Drama Desk nominations, a MAC Award nomination, a Nite Life nomination and a Theatre World Award. Peterson praised Ben Franklin, dance captain and a member of the ensemble, for his work on the show’s dances.
The Broadway production of “Aida” ran at the Palace Theatre between March 23, 2000, and Sept. 5, 2004, for a total of 1,852 performances. It won four Tony Awards in 2000 and a 2001 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.
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