"Aida" Worth the Trip to Cockpit-in-Court

  

By Charles Shubow

 

No theater deserves what the Baltimore Sun has done recently in their "What to See" column. It said "The Community College of Baltimore County Presents AIDA". Is there a lawyer in the house?

 

The production of "Aida" which ends August 5 IS presented at a theater located on the Community College  of Baltimore County Essex campus but this terrific production is under the auspices of the "Cockpit-in-Court" theater (celebrating their 35^th Anniversary Season) not by a bunch of community college students. I can't imagine if the Sun's theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck was still there this would have happened.

 

I do wish they could extend "Aida"…it's that good. I really enjoyed the 2000 Broadway production featuring Tony winning Heather Headley in the title role along with Sherie Rene Scott and Adam Pascal. Inspired by the Verdi opera of the same name, Elton John and Tim Rice provide an enjoyable score which I listen to often. And let me say right now, kudos to a tremendous pit orchestra under the direction of Joe Biddle. I didn't hear one wrong note. Special mention to the keyboards by Aaron Broderick, Christopher Rose, and Kyle Sweeney. Allen Kessel was superb on percussion and I imagine a relative, John, on drums. Playing all the reeds was Laura Weatherington, guitar, Brian Swain, and the bass by Brandon Bickham.  Oftentimes, the biggest disappointment in community theater is the orchestra. This group deserves incredible praise.

 

But really, this musical depends on the actress playing the leading role of Aida and what a shock I had watching Anya Randall Nebel. She is magnificent. Whoever did the casting of her, is a genius. Wait…who's the Director? The one and the same Anya Randall Nebel. She sure has a taste for talent. I have not had the opportunity to have seen Nebel with Winters Lane Productions. What a mistake this has been. Not only is she an accomplished performer but an accomplished director as well.

 

Playing opposite Nebel is Randall W. Dunkle who plays Captain Radames. While I did not see much passion between Dunkle and Nebel, he does a solid job in his role. The duet "Elaborate Lives" brought a thunderous ovation. All he needs is a little more seasoning. On the other hand, Brian Jacobs, who plays his evil father Zoser, nails the part. I loved John Hickok on Broadway in this role and Jacobs need take no back seat to Hickok. Jason Wilson brought needed comedic relief in his role of Mereb. Elton Elizabeth Keith plays the great role of Amneris and her "My Strongest Suit" also brought down the house.

 

This is a technically terrific show. Cockpit went all the way to New York borrowing the set from the Gateway Playhouse and it works quite adequately. I was impressed with the lighting done by Terri Raulie. The choreography by Jason Kimmell was also at a high level, sometimes a little bit too complex to many in the ensemble. It was a close call when one almost ended up in the orchestra pit.

If you are looking to be entertained by a great show, with great music and, incredible talent, do not miss this ambitious production.

 

You can spend the week-end in Essex. Not only can you see this great musical, but ending Sunday afternoon is also the wonderful comedy "The Foreigner" which I look forward to seeing Friday night.

 

For tickets, call 410-780-6369.

 

For comments, send an email to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

 

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