Review: Woodminster's AIDA Passionate and Powerful - Now Thru Sept. 13 Only

I know the truth. The truth that is written in the stars is that you must see the amazing love story Aida at the beautiful outdoor Woodminster Theater. This epic tale spills over and is lush with romance, pride, passion and is only playing until September 13th so get your tickets now.

Winner of four Tony Awards in 2000 Aida, the musical is the brainchild of the fabulous Sir Elton John, lyrical genius Tim Rice and prolific playwright Linda Wolverton. Based on Verdi's Opera of the same name both versions weave together the tragic tale of three people who truly lead elaborate lives. The love triangle between Nubian Princess Aida, Egyptian Princess Amneris, and Egyptian Captain Radames tugs at your heartstrings. Through trials and tribulations Aida and Radames find themselves tangled in a web of passion that could lead to the destruction of both their nations. In the end they learn that love can endure anything. . . even time itself.

Hodges & Hodges were brimming with anticipation as we waited for one of our favorite shows to begin.

Linda: Nick, Aida must have been extra exciting for you since you've performed in the show.

Nick: It was. I loved being in the show and to get to see it at Woodminster was thrilling to say the least.

Linda: It was fun running into some family friends and getting to share a glass of wine with them with the amazing view just behind the outdoor stage. Every picnic table at Woodminster was festooned with tablecloths and covered in delectable pre-show edibles. The rustic and casual atmosphere was also apparent when there was a lighting issue at the beginning of the show. The MC yelled from the rafters for music director Michael Horsley to wait a minute because something got disconnected. The audience just rolled with it.

Nick: That's what makes Woodminster extra unique. As a helicopter whirled overhead Mereb (Rotimi Agbabiaka) and Amneris (Megan Gallup) stood frozen in the dark in the Egyptian Museum. That's what I call staying in character.

Linda: Rotimi Agbabiaka and Megan Gallup were just two of the amazing cast members in this production. Agbabiaka brought great timing to his role, providing comic relief at just the right moments in this tragic love story. His voice was deep and bold.

Nick: Gallup was perfect for the role of Amneris. Besides having a beautiful singing voice her character arc throughout the show was magnificent. From being hilariously funny and ditsy in "My Strongest Suit" to being betrayed by her love and finally becoming the leader of Egypt, Gallup's acting was spot on.

Linda: Yes, I loved the progression that she brought to her role. You see the same thing happen with Radames (James Bock) and Aida (Majesty Scott). Bock and Scott were powerful leads with the commanding stage presence required of these roles. In our advance piece, I had said that their chemistry, or lack thereof, would either make or break the show and I was not disappointed.

Nick: I agree. There was definitely chemistry between them. Bock had powerful voice, but knew when to be soft and touching.

Linda: And then we have his love interest - the beautiful and talented Majesty Scott, the Nubian princess captured by the Egyptians and forced to hide her true identity so as not to be killed. Her voice filled the amphitheater and she was simply sublime. Upon her capture, she meets other, already-captured Nubians who draw hope from her arrival.

Nick: On the Egyptian side of the cast, I have to give a shout-out to Calvin Smith as Zoser, father to Radames. As the man determined to put his son on the throne at all costs, even to the extent of poisoning the Pharoah, he was excellent. And what a voice. And on the Nubian side of the cast I have to give props to Linda Dorsey as Nehebka. Her vocals were just killer and I wish I could have heard her more throughout the show!

Linda: She blended so seamlessly with the ensemble at first that when she sang her first solo part, it really had an impact. And that ensemble! They were just fantastic! I have to say that Woodminster always has a very polished ensemble cast. Kudos to Choreographer Jody Jaron for some excellent work with some talented people.

Nick: Loved the ensemble work. And in the scene with the enslaved women were washing clothes that the edge of the Nile River, Jon Gourdine's light was especially enchanting.

Linda: It was. Lighting at Woodminster is always a challenge because the ambient light changes as the night wears on, but Gourdine pulled it off. Although I do have to say it was a bit bright during the dramatic scene at the docks where the Nubian king (the double-duty Jon Gourdine) makes his escape. You clearly saw the crew member dressed in white pull the boat off stage. Yes, a little dramatic smoke and subdued lighting may have helped there.

Nick: Maybe it was so well-lit due to the dangers of the dock set. Set designer Robert Golden should have rethought this. Although used well in other parts of the show, the dock kept shifting unsafely and required cast members and crew to come on stage to hold them steady. It made what was supposed to be an intense scene somewhat clumsy.

Linda: I also saw cast and stage crew when we weren't supposed to see them walking behind the sets. That should have been caught during dress rehearsal. And though the sound was good, there was a definite buzz at times, but hopefully that was just an opening night issue.

Nick: The one thing I couldn't stop looking at was the giant mural of the Nile River in the background. It did not match the ambience of the show, being rudimentary and unsophisticated. Everything else was painted well enough, but the Nile River did not match the caliber of the performers on stage.

Linda: And that's what we all go to see. The actors were highly professional and gave us a truly magical performance. Combined with a talented ensemble and orchestra, Aida was riveting to the very end.

Nick: I know! I got teary-eyed during the Gods Love Nubia scene remembering when I had done it myself. The acapella portion was just breathtaking to hear.

Linda: It's definitely a show I would go see again. It is one of my favorites and after seeing the Woodminster cast I remember why.

Nick: I couldn't agree more! Get your tickets now to see a great show under the stars at Woodminster!

AIDA
Music by Sir Elton John
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Book by Linda Wolverton
Directed by Joel Schlader
Choreographed by Jody Jaron
Now through September 13
www.woodminster.com
Photos Courtesy of Kathy Kahn

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