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'Aida': incredible finish to Theatre Three's season
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| | | Chakira Iliana and Morgan Rumble with Corryn Manwiller, in back, in 'Aida'. Courtesy Theatre Three (click for larger version) | |
May 21, 2009 | 10:42 AM
It was an evening where all the stars seemed perfectly aligned as Theatre Three's 2008-09 season draws to a close with the hit musical, "Aida," directed by Jeffrey Sanzel and Jean Sorbera.
Set designer Randall Parsons once again shows his innate ability to create so much ambiance with brilliantly simple design. His choice of colorful cyclorama (accented by lighting designer, Robert W. Henderson), flowing curtains and sliding screens cleverly compliment the often sensuous music by music director Ellen Michelmore; and the exotic dance sequences, beautifully choreographed by Sorbera.
The idea of "Aida," the musical, began in 1994. That year, the Disney film "The Lion King" was playing in theaters — the Broadway musical had yet to open — and Disney was eager to collaborate once again with Elton John and Tim Rice. John and Rice were not inspired by the idea of another animated film but were intrigued by the idea of a stage musical. This was Disney's plunge into an entirely new work, not based on one of their films. (Productions of "Beauty and the Beast," "The Lion King," "Tarzan," "The Little Mermaid," "Mary Poppins" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" in Berlin all began as animated features.)
The story of "Aida" takes place in Egypt and unfolds amidst warring nations. At the center of the story is a dangerous love triangle between Amneris, daughter of the Egyptian king played by Corryn Manwiller, Radames, an Egyptian captain played by Morgan Howell Rumble, and Aida, a Nubian princess played by Chakira Iliana.
Manwiller immediately captures the audience with her larger-than-life stage presence and powerful vocals with the opening song, "Every Story is a Love Story." She commands the stage and establishes her character as a formidable yet deliciously shallow princess who wants to capture the affection of the Egyptian captain. Manwiller is no stranger to Theatre Three with her incredible performances most recently in "Ring of Fire," "1968: Rock the World" and "Urinetown."
Unbeknownst to Radames, one of his captures, Aida, is more than a citizen of Nubia, but is the daughter of the Nubian king. Rumble's performance, as his character navigates the peril of rejecting Amneris' affections while pursuing his attraction to Aida is charming and engaging. Rumble's velvet vocals harmonize beautifully with Iliana's to create a compelling chemistry. Their bond is believable and they take the audience along their journey of love. Iliana's portrayal of Aida is seamless. She is regally defiant and unabashedly proud. She wears her inner struggle openly and is humbled by the consequences of her own recklessness.
Ryan Alvarado plays Mereb, a humble slave to Radames who serves as a messenger to the other slaves when he figures out Aida's true identity. His dual loyalty establishes yet another layer of intrigue as the story plays out.
All of the cast of characters are searching for something. Whether it is a ruler's need to conquer or the slaves desire to escape back to Nubia or Amneris' search for who she really is while being in love alone, or Aida's duplicitous search for love of Radames or her country, it is hard to find one character that isn't likeable or relatable in some way. There is an easy fluidity in the story line while watching a compelling yet potentially tragic love story.
What strikes one about this show is simply everything. All production choices are skillfully in sync with one another and the action on stage. Sorbera has masterfully created a dance-and-movement aspect of the show which offers a layer of sexual essence and intrigue. The ensemble which includes company members Anya Absten, Kelsey Cheslock and Elizabeth Ann Trupia offers strong dance-and-vocal performances and gives a wonderful musical backdrop to the story line.
Opening night marked one year since the passing of Brent Erlanson, an integral part of the Theatre Three family. The 2008-09 season has been dedicated to his memory. There has been no better tribute to such an extraordinary artist and man than dedicating the body of work produced at Theatre Three this past season. Erlanson has certainly been an inspiration for excellence in the Theatre Three family and it is clear he will continue to be.
"Aida" will run through June 20. For tickets or information on the 2009-10 season, call the box office at 928-9100 or log on to www.theatrethree.com.
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