| The TriArts Trumpet | ||
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| No. 23 / Vol 08 | Email Subscriber Newsletter | August 7, 2008 |
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Joanne Greco Rochman from the Republican-American and Theatre CT. Magazine |
TriArts produces fast-paced "Aida" When the TriArts Sharon Playhouse curtain rises on “Aida”, the setting is the interior of a museum. We see people moving from one Egyptian exhibit to the next. One young woman keeps glancing across the room at one young man and vice-versa. With Elton John’s music and Tim Rice’s lyrics flowing freely in “Every Story Is A Love Story,” a love story is about to unfold. And does it ever.
Suddenly the audience is transported from contemporary museum to slave barge and life in ancient Egypt. Silhouettes of palm trees and pyramids nail the locale while the exotic costumes, created by Kirche Leigh Zeile, effectively create a faraway place where warrior dressed in black leather vests and slit burgundy gaucho pants roamed the land. The transition happens so quickly and so smoothly that Sarah Combs’ direction has to be commended. Not only do the actors make the transition seamlessly, but so too the sets designed by Erik D. Diaz. With musical direction by John Moran, this show really rocks as “Aida” unfolds as a hip, pop version of the classic opera. Fast-paced production and filled with excitement and adventure, the love affair between a conquering soldier and his enslaved princess grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Brett Travis is a golden Radames, the conquering soldier and intended husband for Amneris, the princess about to take over the Pharaoh’s throne. It is when one of the captured slaves, Aida, unleashes her wrath and wisdom the wedding plans are called off. Travis is well-cast in this production. He is a commanding force, physically and vocally. He knows just when to temper his powerful control. Brianna Horne, as the title character, is a lot more hipster than princess when she’s belting out her big numbers but moves like a wisp of willow at the same time. That Aida messes up the marriage between Radames and Amneris doesn’t mess up talented Heather Holohan’s top notch performance as Amneris. Holohan take on all the stature of a real princess and delivers a memorable character. Douglas Lyons plays the role of Mereb, faithful servant to Aida. His prowess as a singer/dancer is undeniable in the production. Cindi Parise’s choreography is stunningly realized her along with the marvelous live orchestra. At the end of the drama, when Aida and Radames are sentenced to death, the audience is returned to the contemporary museum ….(for more pick up today’s Republican-American! Or better yet, come see for yourself.) Suessical Song& Dance Workshop still has some limited space next week, August 11- 15 from 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Choreographer Cindi Parise is described in the Republican-American for her choreography in “AIDA” this way: Cindi Parise’s choreography is stunningly realized her along with the marvelous live orchestra. The live orchestra in AIDA is Music Directed by John Moran, who is also at the keyboard for this exciting new workshop. With “Seussical the Musical” on deck for TriArts main stage next summer, get a jump on the fun. Only $150. Please call 860-364-7469 X. 100 to register for this one-week Youtheatre workshop. Don’t Forget Family Fridays! Only $20 per adult and $10 per child based on availability. TriArts Sharon Playhouse is pleased to be offering high quality theatre, and making it affordable for the family. See you at the show!
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Elton John Describes His Aida The score for Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida was hailed by Time Magazine as "filled with luscious melodies and soulful lyrics." Here’s what the composer had to say about it: “It’s no opera. It’s truly a pop musical, with spoken dialogue. There are black songs, very urban based, rhythm and blues, gospel-inspired songs, and kind of ‘Crocodile Rock’ songs, and ballads, of course!”
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