The possibilities are endless when the genius of the musical duo, Elton John and Tim Rice, meets the passion and creativity of the South Lakes Theatre department. This spring the stage at South Lakes will come alive once again as Maria Harris, the director at South Lakes, leads her young performers through the challenge of taking on the various musical genres, large energetic dance numbers and the complex characters presented in Disney’s “Aida.”
“Aida” brings the timeless struggles of Romeo and Juliet out of Verona and into ancient Egypt as the audience watches the destinies of two lovers separated by war told through a series of chilling songs and heart wrenching moments. Aida, the Nubian princess (played by Whitney Gross), is captured by the enemy Egyptians and brought down the Nile to become a slave for the Pharaoh’s daughter, Amneris (Morgan Briggs/Erin Campagnoni). Aida’s bravery and iron will catches the eye of Radames (Marshall Severin), an Egyptian general and the man betrothed to Amneris. Aida and Radames soon find themselves questioning whether to stay loyal to their country, or to risk everything they know, in a time of hatred and cruelty, for love.
When “Aida” first debuted it received praise from theatergoers and took home four Tony awards, including Best Original Score. Everyone is anticipating how Harris and the students of South Lakes will bring this masterpiece to life; it is sure to be a performance not to be missed.