"Aida" Planned As Spring Musical
Directing Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida" - based on the tragic opera set in Egypt and featuring a cast of 50 and more than 30 musical numbers - could be a daunting task, but Josh Martin, who is currently helming the upcoming Garden Spot Performing Arts (GSPA) production of the show, is undeterred. Rather, the director is excited to bring the school edition of the show to local audiences. "The music is ... by the same pair who did 'The Lion King' for Disney," explained Martin.
Calling the show quick-moving and audience-friendly, Martin added that the modern production differs from the original opera. "(John and Rice) have kept the heart of the story as it transitioned from the opera (with) music (that) is very powerful and beautiful," he said, adding that the show is both moving and entertaining.
GSPA will present "Aida" at Garden Spot High School (GSHS), 669 E. Main St., New Holland, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11; Friday, April 12; and Saturday, April 13, as well as on Sunday, April 14, at 2:30 p.m.
"Aida" is the tragic love story of a Nubian princess, Aida, played by Beatrice Gauthier. Aida is enslaved to the Pharaoh's daughter, Amneris, played by Ellie Loose. Aida falls in love with Radames, an Egyptian soldier, played by Colin Marquis, who is engaged to Amneris. As Aida and Radames realize the depth of their love, Aida is forced to make choices that pit the longings of her heart against the duties she feels to lead the Nubian people.
Martin first became acquainted with the show when he saw the original Broadway production in 2000. "I knew nothing about it, but I loved it - the show, the story, the music especially," recalled Martin. Over the last decade that Martin has been directing GSPA, GSHS music teacher Rich Fitz suggested "Aida" several times for the spring musical. When Fitz brought the show up again more recently, Martin was ready to consider it. "I had the cast for it, but it was a chance to reach out to recruit some new students because it (calls for) an ethnically diverse cast," explained Martin.
Although students who were cast were not familiar with the show, Martin said they are coming to enjoy the challenges of staging it. "The storyline is based off the tragic opera, and it's heavy, but the modern twist injects a ray of hope in the end that is really touching," said Martin. According to Martin, the actors are digging deep to portray emotion that is real rather than melodramatic. "That's been a challenge, but a satisfying challenge," said Martin.
As Aida, Gauthier said she is challenged by doing justice to playing such a strong woman. "She has this confidence," noted Gauthier. "She doesn't listen to anybody. She makes her own choices. I have to work on making sure the audience sees (that)."
Gauthier will also be challenged by the many musical numbers that she is called upon to perform. "The music propels the story forward," said Martin. "There's little dialogue relative to the music." Martin added that the music varies from fun rock 'n' roll numbers to enchanting ballads, citing the gospel-style "The Gods Love Nubia" and "Written in the Stars," which was an adult contemporary hit, as examples. Martin said that "My Strongest Suit," a song Amneris sings about "her love of fashion and all things superficial," will include an avant-garde fashion show on a runway with custom-made costumes and headdresses. "It will be a spectacle," Martin noted.
To provide music for the rock extravaganza, Fitz will lead a small pit orchestra of fewer than 20 instruments while playing lead keyboard. "It is so keyboard heavy, it (will) only work with someone really commanding at the keyboard," said Martin. "I think the audience will appreciate and notice this smaller sort of rock band rather than the larger pit orchestra."
Tickets for the show may be purchased by calling 717-354-1584 or by visiting http://gspa.seatyourself.biz.
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