Centre Daily Times Interview; Centre Town, PA

Pop opera 'Aida' offers timeless tale

By Camille-Yvette Welsch, for the CDT

Opera can be a cruel place for a woman. One need only look at the title character in "Madame Butterfly" or Mimi in "La Boheme." Too often, women die horrible deaths from neglect or heartsickness, and pop operas are no different. Still, though "Aida" has its share of nasty events, at least one female character arises ennobled and powerful at the end of the show.

The Verdi opera and its present incarnation as a Broadway musical both take their inspiration from an ancient tale of a Nubian princess, Aida. She is taken prisoner by the Egyptians and meets and falls in love with Radames, an officer who is betrothed to the pharaoh's daughter, Amneris. Aida becomes the slave of Amneris and the beloved of Radames. Unfortunately, havoc ensues that threatens the lives of all involved.

Actress Leah Allers, who plays Amneris, said of the tale: "It's a timeless love story, and the themes are epic -- love lives on through all eras, all lands, all time. They (Aida and Radames) are two lovers at odds with the world around them, a popular theme in literature and art."

And in opera and musicals.

The pop opera brings the drama of the ancient story and pairs it with a score by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. Music fans know John's songs, including "Bennie and the Jets," "Candle in the Wind" and "Circle of Life" from "The Lion King," and most will recognize work of Rice, who collaborated with Andrew Lloyd Webber on "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Evita." For Disney fans, Rice also wrote lyrics for "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King" (with John). Allers described the music as "a blend of rock, pop ballads, R&B, crocodile rock and gospel. Pop opera is the perfect name for it. It's a fresh retelling of an ancient tale."

Allers said part of the freshness comes from the sets, which "are constantly morphing. It is a beautiful spectacle of sight, sound and story."

She credited the ensemble dancers, who populate many of the scenes as slaves or handmaidens."They are incredible," she said. "Their presence shows the relationship between Aida and her people. They really heighten the show."

Allers said much of the fun in creating the character of Amneris relates directly back to her mother.

"I was raised by a strong woman who taught me self-respect. With Amneris, I go from the cliché of a woman being an airhead, only interested in clothes, to the fulfillment of what a real woman, a real ruler, is."

"Amneris is a great example to set. Young women see and respect her. It's exciting to play such a positive role model for girls and women," Allers said.