By Marilyn Jozwik
With its handsome Egyptian captain, two beautiful princesses and ancient Egyptian setting it is little wonder Disney thought “Aida” could make a successful animated feature. Instead, “Aida,” based on Verdi’s opera of the same name, became a Broadway musical in 2000.
Waukesha Civic Theatre visits the enchanted land of the Nile, pharaohs and mystery as it successfully brings “Aida” to the stage with a stellar cast, an exceptional 11-piece orchestra that delivers Elton John’s music with power, tenderness and majesty, and colorful, dynamic dance numbers. Ashley S. Jordan is directing consultant for the show while Raven Dockery is music director.
“Aida” tells the story of the princess Aida (Patric Hood), who is among four Nubian women captured by Egyptian soldiers after their boat sails into Egypt. The two nations (Egypt and Nubia) have been at war. Unaware of her royalty, Radames (Ben Ardis), the Egyptian captain, is captivated by Aida and spares the four from certain death. Radames’ father, Zoser (Jordan Pollard), is secretly poisoning the Pharaoh (Christopher Johnston), whose death would make Radames his successor. Radames and the Pharoah’s daughter, Amneris (Courtney Giovinazzo), are soon to wed.
In Act 2, Radames and Aida’s romance heats up, while Amneris realizes that Radames has become detached in their own relationship. Meanwhile, Aida has an ally in Mereb (Ernest Bell), Radames’ Nubian servant who helps Aida navigate her incarceration. When Aida’s own father, the King of Nubia (Jeff Hardy), is captured, Aida and Mereb must find a way to save him. Loyalties and love, obligations and desires intermingle as Radames, Aida and Amneris are thrust into complicated situations. And in the end, love conquers all.
While the story is intriguing, it is “Aida’s” music that stands out. Fortunately, the trio of Hood, Ardis and Giovinazzo are more than up to the challenge of Elton John’s music and Tim Rice’s lyrics. Julie Johnson directs an amazing orchestra that travels Aida’s journey with tender ballads and pulsating drums, music that rocks and music that rocks a baby to sleep. Audience members loved the big, rousing ensemble numbers such as “The Gods Love Nubia” and roared their approval.
Hood is in total command of Aida, dialing through a wide range of emotions with her expressiveness. You feel her indignation at her capture, her love of country and Radames, her inner turmoil as she must decide who she loves most. She pours herself into the role and her vocals are incredible. Ardis also boasts a commanding presence and strong, pleasing vocals that matches wonderfully with Aida in tunes like “Elaborate Lives” and “Enchantment Passing Through.”
Giovinazzo as the princess Amneris is delightfully ditzy as she cavorts through her substantial wardrobe in “My Strongest Suit” (which has a bit of Glenda’s “Popular“ from “Wicked” vibe) and has fun with Rice’s lyrics such as “I would rather wear a barrel than conservative apparel.” Giovinazzo hits all the right notes vocally, as well as handling Amneris’ complicated love life with some charming light moments and decisive strength as her character grows in responsibility.
Ernest Bell as Mereb provides some goosebump moments with his intense character and rich, powerful and silky vocals in tunes like “How I Know You,” where he describes how he was captured by the Egyptians and forced into servitude, like Aida. Ashley Levells as Nehebka, one of the Nubian captives, also has some wonderful vocal and dance moments as in the stirring “Dance of the Robe,” which showcases Ciara Hart’s marvelous choreography while the Nubians sing their expectations: “Aida, Aida, all we ask of you is a lifetime of service, wisdom, courage.”
If You Go:
Who: Waukesha Civic Theatre
What: “Aida”
When: Through Sept. 29
Where: 264 W. Main St., Waukesha
Info/Tickets: 262-547-0708; www.waukeshacivictheatre.org