'Aida' comes to Central Valley

By James Ward

Choices

If you've seen the Broadway adaptation of "Aida" in New York City, San Francisco or Los Angeles, you're in for a surprise when the touring version comes to the William Saroyan Theatre.

The producers have jettisoned the ancient-Egyptian setting in favor of a more "timeless" feel. That means no elaborate Egypt-inspired costumes or pyramid sets.

But Elton John and Tim Rice's Tony-nominated score remains, as does the basic story, which is based on Verdi's beloved opera.

Aida (Marja Harmon), a princess, is captured and enslaved. But a soldier, Radames (Casey Elliott), falls in love with Aida — a turn of events that tests his loyalty to his king. At the same time, the king's daughter, Amneris (Leah Allers), fall in love with Radames, who doesn't love the royal daughter in return.

Allers, who grew up in Los Angeles, describes the scaled-down version of "Aida" as set in a dreamscape world with both ancient and modern elements.

"The music is what makes it so popular," Allers said. "It has just a gorgeous score."

In fact, Allers said, the original Broadway cast recording is still in regular rotation in her car's CD player.

Allers describes playing Amneris as a "treat," because her character grows from a shallow, goofy girl to a noble, altruistic woman, Allers said.

Ultimately, Allers said, it's the combination of memorable characters, timeless story and catchy music that makes "Aida" worth seeing.

"It's a cliché, but it will make you both laugh and cry," she said. "It's just a great show.".