'Aida' a captivating journey
"Every Story Is A Love Story": The love of one's country, the love of another, and the love for one's people. However, with love, comes hate, which is the exact dilemma of the lovers in Aida, presented by The Ridley Drama Group this past Sunday afternoon.
Aida, written by Elton John and Tim Rice, premiered on Broadway in 2000. It was based off of the children's storybook version of Verdi's opera. Aida was praised by countless audiences and was extremely successful at the Tony Awards, taking home many honors. Ridley High School did the Broadway production justice with the entire cast's powerful and spine-tingling performance. The timeless love story where Aida of Nubia and Radames of Egypt need to decide which love is greater: the love they have for each other or the love for their different countries. Egypt and Nubia are rivals in a war that continues to grow each day. Aida and Radames try to be strong for the good of their countries but struggle holding back their true desires.
Ridley High School did not let the audience down in their presentation of Aida. Every single performer gave all of their energy and emotion in delivering this tragic, but heart-warming story.
Aida's spirit and strength are vital pieces to her character. Dana Salvo portrayed these traits beautifully. There was a clear sense of pride and confidence in all of her choices on stage. Salvo's mature and rich vocals filled the theatre as she led the Nubians to believing in their country. The man Aida loves, Radames, played by Aaron Atkinson, possessed the same vocal gifts. Atkinson provided both sides of Radames, the leader side and the sensitive side, through his singing. Both leads worked wonderfully together and accurately presented the emotional conclusion of the musical.
The Nubian ensemble brought the production full circle. The Nubians had illuminating stage presence and a vivid understanding for the fear their characters felt. This was most present during "The Dance of the Robe", when the Nubians were crying to Aida to please return to their land. The ensemble's body movements, animated facial expressions, and impressive harmonies captured the real sorrow of the Nubians.
The stage crew did a fine job in transitioning to the numerous scenes. They were swift and not distracting whatsoever. The lights were extremely impressive and invited the viewers into the world of Egypt and Nubia.
Ridley High School's production of Aida was performed beautifully. The entire cast truly captured this moving story and took the audience through the journey of two lovers that fight their way through hate.