AIDA Plays MCCC’s Kelsey Theatre 11/18-27

Maurer Productions Onstage brings "Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA" to the stage at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre. The breathtaking pop/rock epic will be performed Fridays, Nov. 18 and 25 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Nov. 19 and 26 at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sundays, Nov. 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on Mercer's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Nov. 18.

Winner of four Tony Awards on Broadway for the Disney Hyperion Theatrical Group production, this riveting, romantic musical is set in ancient Egypt and tells the story of an enslaved Nubian princess, her conflicted Egyptian captor, and a forbidden love that rocks the ancient world to its core. Part musical, part dance spectacular and part rock concert, "AIDA" is a timeless tale about the power of love.

"AIDA" features music by Sir Elton John, one of the most successful musicians in modern times, and lyrics by the Sir Tim Rice, who wrote such hits as "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Evita." After their successful partnership writing the score for both the film and stage productions of "The Lion King," this dynamic duo teamed up again to pen "AIDA," Disney's first Broadway musical for adults.

The show's director, Dan Maurer, explains the creative team's approach to this production: "Go big or go home, that's our motto," Maurer said. "'AIDA'" is a show not often done in Central New Jersey, so we plan to make it a really special event. We're pulling out all the stops."

Many of the costumes for this cast of 24 actors will be hand-made for the show. The award-winning Maurer production team will create a few technical surprises as well. According to Maurer, "The goal is to both honor and yet refresh the 'AIDA' that theater-goers know and love. We plan for the show to be a bit of Broadway, a splash of Maurer magic, and bit of Kelsey Theatre fun, all carried by the singing voices of an amazing cast."

The show features Meera Mohan of Plainsboro in the title role. Also starring are Alwynn Baskin of Lambertville as Nubian King Amonasro; Tom Coppolecchia of Mount Holly as Radames; Scott Karlin of Plainsboro as the Pharaoh; Brian Meltzer of Pennington as Zoser; Yakenya Moise of Princeton as Nehebka; Jahmir Scott of Allentown as Mereb; and Kimberly Suskind of Galloway as the Princess Amneris.

The Women's Ensemble features Jen Baranowski of Brick, Melissa Geerloff of Mercerville, Cheryl King of Robbinsville, Alexa Lupinacci of Hamilon, Abby Oliver of Mercerville, Julia Procaccino of Yardley, Pa., Beverly Quo-Hamilton of Princeton, Arielle Rabano of Hillsborough, Leia Rochester of Willingboro, Mollie Rubenstein of West Windsor, and Sheilla Telo of Hamilton.

The men's ensemble includes Steven Dunagan of Trenton, John Glace of Morrisville, Pa., Brian Maquire of Lakehurst, Ben Menahem of Plainsboro, and De Haven Rogers of Chambersburg.

The show is directed by Dan Maurer, with music direction by Tony DiDia and choreography by Jane Coult. The production team also includes costume designers John Maurer, Diana Gilman Maurer and Tina Heinze, with lighting design by M. Kitty Getlik, props by Alycia Bauch, and stage management by Jeff Cantor.

Tickets are $20 for all ages and may be purchased by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333 or online at www.kelseytheatre.net. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Free parking is available next to the theater.

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