Aida
Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls, and David Henry Hwang
Directed and Choreographed by Luis Salgado
STAGES St. Louis
June 7, 2023
Wonu Ogunfowora (center) and Cast of Aida
Photo by Phillip Hamer Photography
STAGES St. Louis
STAGES St. Louis is back for another season, and their first production is spectacular. With a stellar cast and truly spellbinding production values, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida has made an indelible impression on audiences. Its a poignant, compelling story, as well as showcase for a great deal of astonishing talent, including some very welcome returning artists and some excellent STAGES newcomers.
With the exception of a framing device at the beginning and end, the story is set in ancient Egypt, during a war between Egypt and the country of Nubia. The Nubian princess Aida (Wonu Ogunfowora) is captured early in the story along with some of her countrywomen, and is brought into slavery in Egypt. The strong-willed Aida stands up to the military leader who captures her, Captain Radames (Ace Young), and both feel drawn to one another, with initial reluctance especially on Aida’s part. As for Radames, he’s engaged–for nine years–to the Pharaoh’s daughter, the initially flighty Princess Amneris (Diana DeGarmo), who loves Radames but increasingly doubts that he feels the same way about her. Meanwhile, Radames’ scheming father, chief minister Zoser (Ryan Williams) schemes to get his son on the throne as soon as possible, and the enslaved Nubians spurred on by the determined Mereb (Albert Jennings) hope to someday return to freedom in their home country. As the attraction between Aida and Radames grows, she keeps her identity as a princess secret, but forces are conspiring against them and threaten their hope of a future together, as well as the hopes of the Nubians and anyone who desires peace and freedom. The memorable score by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice help to drive the story that features timeless themes of striving for love, hope, freedom, and the terrors of greed and injustice.
The cast here is wonderful, with standout performances from all three main leads, as well as the rest of the cast. The anchors, though, include the stellar Ogunfowara as the strong-minded Aida, with a powerful voice on songs like “Easy as Life” and her memorable duets with the also excellent Young, who has a pleasant tenor voice and brings a sense of warmth to Radames that rises to the surface as his relationship with Aida grows. DeGarmo as Amneris is another significant standout, with her sheer stage presence and remarkable vocals, as well as her ability to portray her character’s progression from flighty and sheltered to more self-aware and determined, as demonstrated remarkably in her two big songs–the energetic “My Strongest Suit” in the first act, and the more emotional, expertly sung “I Know the Truth” in the second. Other notable performances include Jennings, who is thoroughly convincing as the idealistic Mereb; and Williams, who revels in every oily moment as the nefarious, scheming Zoser. There’s a strong supporting cast with no weak links, as well as excellent vocals all around, with memorable group numbers like “The Gods Love Nubia” showcasing their talents, as well as the stunning choreography by director/choreographer Luis Salgado, who makes a triumphant return this year after last year’s excellent In the Heights.
Technically, this show also dazzles, with all the elements blending together to tell this compelling story. The versatile set, by Kate Rance, features neon pyramids that go along with the bright “glow stick” like rods that are used to great effect in the choreography. Herrick Goldman’s lighting is also superb, contributing to some truly spectacular effects as the story unfolds, and Brad Musgrove’s meticulously detailed costumes are equally impressive, lending a bit of edgy modern twist to the ancient Egyptian setting and motifs. The orchestra, led by music director Erika R. Gamez, sounds great, bringing power to the already excellent score.
It was great to see Executive Producer Andrew Kuhlman onstage after the curtain call, bringing many of the backstage crew and creatives to the stage for a well-deserved ovation. There’s a lot of talent involved in this production of a timeless story poignantly and memorably told. Simply speaking, Aida at STAGES is a production that’s not to be missed.
Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, and Cast of Aida
Photo by Phillip Hamer Photography
STAGES St. Louis
STAGES St. Louis is presenting Aida at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center until July 2, 2023
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