Review: 'Aida' goes on despite power outage

By Shelly Davidov Staff Writer

The Broadway hit "Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida" wowed Morgantown last Wednesday. Presented by the University Arts Series, this epic musical played to a packed Creative Arts Center for its one-night performance.

The audience was greeted with sets that invoked ancient Egypt with pyramid-like walls, tombs and large golden statues. The hieroglyphic choreography of the production was also striking. Dancers continuously entertained the audience throughout set changes and the entire show.

The costumes of "Aida" were diverse and intricate. From men's military garb to lavish royal robes to rags worn by slave characters, each costume added depth to the tale. Although the music of "Aida" was surprisingly uneventful, the three stars of the production breathed life into the score.

The exotically beautiful Aida (Marja Harmon) displayed passionate and powerful vocal ability and acting range. Harmon's performances in the gospel- and slavery-inspired songs "Dance of the Robe" and "The Gods Love Nubia" were both moving and memorable.

The spoiled but compassionate princess Amneris (Leah Allers) expertly provided the play's comedy. While Allers wonderfully delivered hilarious songs and lines, her soulful singing in the ballads "Every Story is a Love Story" and "I Know the Truth" showed her vocal and dramatic actin g skills.

The dreamy male lead Radames (Casey Elliot) gave an excellent vocal performance in the play, while the character's father, Zoser (DJ Rudd), gave a dismal one. Rudd's harsh and nasal voice was the only downfall of the production. Though thunderstorms and power outages struck the CAC during the show, this production of "Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida" warmed and won over the audience.