 The story opens in modern times during a night at the
museum, but it’s a much older story. A story that takes us back to Ancient
Egypt as a general named Radames pushes Egypt’s control further south into
neighboring Nubia. There he is surprised by the strength and spirit of one of
his new captors, a young woman named Aida, who quickly earns his respect. Upon
return to Egypt, he makes Aida a gift to the Egyptian princess Amneris, whom
he’s been engaged to for years and is clearly not eager to marry. For the love
story is between Aida and Radames – a love that will force Amneris to face the
real world and create a clash between duty, loyalty, and love.
Elton John and Tim Rice combined on this Disney adaptation
of the opera, and the group at Riverside Youth Theatre has some strong vocal
talents that complements the great musical score. It’s led by Heather
Noriega in the title role who has both a lovely strength and sadness to
her, and nails her big solo Easy as Life. She also teams up with Aaron
Wolgemuth as Radames for a great duet of Elaborate Lives. Aaron also
turns in a strong duet with his ambitious and ever-angry father Zoser (Tommy
Waddell) in Like Father, Like Son.
Of course Amneris, the Egyptian princess, eagerly wants a
duet with him as well, but keeps finding herself neglected. Rebecca Park
tries to keep herself preoccupied with her love of fashion – or what she calls My
Strongest Suit – but she really shines when she is forced to  realize that
Radames doesn’t want to marry her, delivering a beautiful and heart-breaking
version of I Know The Truth.
Elsewhere, Cody Noriega teams up with Heather
for a good rendition of How I Know You, Anyssa Navarro inspires
Aida as she helps rally the slaves around the princess in The Gods Love
Nubia, and a quartet of belly dancers enliven the show’s dance routines as
the pharaoh (Grant Markin) makes a wedding announcement that is sure to
permanently alter the fates of many. Or, at least, somewhat permanently.
Performed May 8-18, 2008.
Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre
~ Cast ~
Aida: Heather Noriega
Radames: Aaron Wolgemuth
Amneris: Rebecca Park
Mereb: Cody Noriega
Zoser: Tommy Waddell
Nehebka: Anyssa Navarro
Pharaoh: Grant Markin
King Amonasro: Matthew Koepp
Soldiers and Minsters:
Bradley Graham
Jordan Gomez
Emma Hines
Daniel Jerz
Matthew Koepp
Robert Lopez
Grahme Meneses
Andrew Musselman
Anyssa Navarro
Alison Ogilvie
Jessica Ramirez
Egyptian Servants:
Melissa Smith
Hannah Wolgemuth
Brittany Breeding
Kayli Addink
Lauren de la Puente
Mikayla Dyer
Anyssa Navarro
Alison Ogilvie
Lorena Olivas
Belly Dancers:
Melissa Smith
Hannah Wolgemuth
Brittany Breeding
Anyssa Navarro
Nubians:
Kayli Addink
Rachel Blake
Brittany Breeding
Kylie Chebahtah
Lauren de la Puente
Mikayla Dyer
Jordan Gomez
Bradley Graham
Shannon Hicks
Emma Hines
Daniel Jerz
Rachel Jones
Matthew Koepp
Valiere Lohman
Robert Lopez
Kadie Love
Grant Markin
Grahme Meneses
Siena Morse
Andrew Musselman
Alison Ogilvie
Jessica Ramirez
Melissa Smith
Lauren Soholt
Teresa Weiss
Amber White
Director: Debbie Wolgemuth
Choreographer: Marcus S. Daniel
Music Director: Steve Wolgemuth
Stage Manager: Samuel Martinez
Sound Designer: Steve Wolgemuth
Lighting Designer: Sarah Risner
Scenic Designer: Debbie Wolgemuth
Costume Design: Brenda Smith, Debbie Wolgemuth
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