'Aida' actress reveals all

Leah Allers, who plays Amneris, talks trials and triumphs

By Lauren Regenhardt

Award-winning Broadway musical "Aida," written by Tim Rice and Sir Elton John, is coming to Reno. Playing at the Pioneer Theater from March 16 to the 18, ticket prices range from $40 to $55. Based on the opera by Giuseppe Verdi about forbidden love between a kidnapped Ethiopian princess, Aida, and an Egyptian military commander, Radames, this musical combination of gospel, reggae and ballads is a must-see according to Leah Allers who plays Amneris in the play.

The Nevada Sagebrush: Why and how did you start getting into theater?

Leah Allers: I love it. It comes naturally to me. I’ve always loved singing and I am a performer at heart. I started when I was a little kid, and I wrote plays and put them on with neighborhood kids. I even went to Hamilton High School Academy of Music, a magnet school for music.

NS: How have your father’s credits from co-writing the book for "The Lion King" helped your career?

Allers: It’s fun to be in a family that’s all in the same business. This is something we both share – a passion for musical theatre, story telling and the arts. I grew up drawing; he’s in animation and I actually went to school for animation until I decided to perform. It is a bonding experience. When I saw "The Lion King" open on Broadway, it hit me that this is what I want; I want to be a part of this. It is an inspiration and a motivator to make me want it to happen for myself.

NS: What has been your favorite role? Why?

Allers: Amneris is my dream role. I’ve been working towards (the role) for a while and (I’ve been taking) music lessons with a voice coach for a year. Perseverance pays off; I auditioned two other times for it. The first time, I didn’t get a call back, the second time I got called back but didn’t get it, and the third time got the national tour. Don’t take no for an answer, but keep trying.

NS: This is your first national tour. How do you enjoy traveling and performing in the show in so many different places? How do you like life on the road?

Allers: (Touring is) such a life experience. It’s not anything like I thought it would be. It is hard, but I got into a rhythm and adapted. I’m an expert packer and un-packer; you have to live out of a suitcase, learn how to eat right, get enough sleep and warm up your voice every day. I use a humidifier in my hotel room to keep my vocal chords moist. (You have to) learn how to take care of yourself. Touring is extremely rewarding, going to a new city every day, to different parts of the country. I’ve only seen both coasts and now I can get to know America and see different people and landscapes. There are new people to perform for every night, which keeps it fresh.

NS: Do you have any advice for students who are planning to go into the theater?

Allers: Take voice lessons, get a voice coach and have a lesson every week. I still study weekly. When I’m back in town, I schedule a lesson. It’s basically like being an athlete, like going to the gym. Build a repertoire - choose a few songs that will show off your voice. You just have to walk into an audition and let it rip. Take audition workshops where you learn how to give strong auditions and musical theater classes to learn technique. Choose songs that you know are your money songs. Confidence and preparation are important. You may have 100 bad auditions to get through before you get to the one you book, but you get through it and get to the good ones, so if you don’t have a good audition, consider that a win.