Backstage Drama at Elton John’s Aida

Anyone who knows anything about theatre knows that not all the drama happens onstage.  (And how could an Elton John-created musical be any different?!)  Case in point—two days before the start of rehearsals for AIDA, director Sarah Combs received a phone call.  The actor who had been cast as Amonasro, Aida’s father, had to drop out to take care of a family emergency. While not a huge role, Amonasro’s is a critical one, setting the stage for future action. This was an executive director’s nightmare…or, if you’re Executive Director Alice Bemand, an opportunity. “My kingdom for a Horse,” she was heard muttering theatrically as she ran to her phone.

If you were lucky enough to see TriArts’ The Full Monty recently, you don’t have to ask what Horse Alice had in mind. It’s the character played by Richard Waits, the show-stopping Equity actor who brought the house down with every performance.

Artistic Director Michael Berkeley knew he was leaving Sharon for one gig, and then heading down to Florida for another, but the theatre gods smiled upon TriArts. 
Seasoned pro that he is, Richard stepped in for a shortened rehearsal period, and all signs of Horse have magically disappeared, with Amonasro appearing with all the fervor that the role demands.

If you saw Richard Waits in Monty, you’ll definitely want to see him again in AIDA. If you missed him, here’s your chance to join the rest of us in bragging, “I saw Richard Waits when…” But don’t take our word for it.  Here’s what some of the reviewers said about Richard in The Full Monty:
“Mr. Waits’s rendition of ‘Big Black Man’ was as close to sensational as you get…”

“Richard Waits, as Horse, can dance the shoes right off his feet.”

“And then there’s great, like actor Richard Waits, as Horse, who makes dancing lame a triumph.”

Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA July 31 - August 17 July / August S M T W T F S 31 7PM 1 8PM 2 8PM 3 5PM 4 5 6 2PM 7 7PM 8 8PM 9 8PM 10 5PM 11 12 13 2PM 14 7PM 15 8PM 16 2/8PM 17 5PM 18 19 20 21 22 23 Prices are $28.50 Standard, $42.50 for Premium (Front-and-Center) Tickets. Matinee performance tickets are $23.50 Standard, $32.50 Premium. Senior/student tickets are $22.50 evenings, $18.50 for matinees. Children: $16.50 evenings and $12.50 matinees. Call the TriArts Box Office at 860.364.7469 or visit www.triarts.net. Where you can get tickets 24/7. The theater is at 49 Amenia Road, Sharon at the junction of Rt. 343/41/4. Sponsored by Elyse Harney Real Estate, Founders Insurance Group, Herrington’s

Online Interview

Check out an interview with Artistic Director Michael Berkeley and AIDA Sarah Combs: Click Here. That’s WHDD radio/AM1020 on your dial.  It’s also available as a podcast to download!

Marshall Miles, DJ and Program Manager of WHDD will be broadcasting live at TriArts on Thursday July 31st for the opening night of Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA.

Come on down, join the fun, and maybe even get on the air.

“Anything Goes” with TriArts Youtheatre!

TriArts’  Musical Theatre Performing Workshop, part of the summer Youtheatre program, has been hard at work as they prepare to mount the stage for a production of Anything Goes,  this Saturday, August 2, at 11 a.m. Under the direction of Heather Holohan, and assisted by Musical Director Michael Berkeley (TriArts’ Artistic Director),  Equity actor Trevor McQueen Eaton and dance captain Melissa  Grayson, 30 performers have spent three busy weeks building their skills in acting, vocal training, tap dancing, and choreography. Ms. Holohan, who played the role of Reno Sweeney last summer to critical acclaim at Thomaston Opera House, said, “This is an incredibly talented group of kids, with a serious approach to the art of musical theatre.  And we are having a ball.”  Said Artistic and Music Director Michael Berkeley, “Everyone just loves the music, and what’s not to love about Cole Porter?  There are so many classics in this show, from the title song “Anything Goes,” to “I Get a Kick Out of You” and “It’s De-Lovely.”  “It’s a privilege to see how far the kids have come since day one,” said Trevor.  “On the first day of the workshop barely half the group could tap dance, now they’re tapping up a storm!” Join us at TriArts Sharon Playhouse’s main stage this Saturday morning and prepare to be amazed. There is no charge for admission, but we ask that you consider a donation toward the TriArts Youtheatre Scholarship Program. (Presented through special arrangement with Tams-Witmark)

By the way, there is still limited space in Theatre Rocks! which starts on Monday, August 4th for one week, and High School Musical and Seussical Song & Dance Workshop, starting on August 11th. Seussical the Musical is on tap for the TriArts main stage next summer—get a jump on the fun! Call 860-364-7469 X. 100 for more information.

Don’t miss the Young Playwrights Festival on Tuesday August 5th at 7 p.m. on the Main Stage at TriArts! TriArts nurtures children and supports their endeavors in all areas of the arts and we hope you’ll join us at one or both of these exciting events.

Tickets available for the Young Playwrights Festival ($5 per person) by calling the Box Office at 860-364-7469 X. 201