AIDA by Jasmine
Aida, a poignant story about star-crossed lovers, truly touched me through the emotion portrayed in song and choreography. After reading the study guide, I must admit that I expected something much like any other love story, with romance, conflicts, and an over-sentimental ending. However, I failed to remember that I had never seen a love story shown in drama before, and Aida moved me much more than I had ever imagined. Every song was not a simple love song, but a true representation of a lover’s heart, every dance was not just movement but intense, almost chilling feelings. An amazing and wonderfully executed work, I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and greatly appreciate how the genuine performers were in depicting true emotion.
I truly applaud the work Elton John and Tim Rice did with the musical element of the show. Some songs I had heard before, some I had not, but I felt that I rose with the crescendo of each line and felt the overwhelming emotional effect intended. The actors and actresses also did an amazing job with the vocal aspect of the performance. Each one portrayed their character extremely well. Casey Elliott, who played Rademes, radiated a sense of confidence and vigor while also showing extreme tenderness in bending to the wills of love. From “Fortune Favors the Brave” to “Elaborate Lives,” it is easy to see how love changed the heart of a man so proud. Leah Allers was also very entertaining with her performance as Amneris, and her contrasting tones “My Strongest Suit” and “I Know the Truth” really depicted the change her character had undergone. Amneris, played by Marja Harmon, simply left me awestruck. Her intelligence and wonderful heart radiated from her voice, and it seemed as if she truly meant every word she sang or said. In every heart-wrenching moment between Ameneris and Rademes her heart seemed to truly break, and in every attempt to uplift the people of Nubia her dedication to her people really shone through. This raw, honest rendering of emotion, above all else, amazed and inspired me.
There was much more choreography in the show than I had expected. After hearing that it was taken from an opera, I had anticipated much more singing than dancing. However, I am glad for the choreography included in the performance because it was easily one of my favorite aspects of the show. The dancers in the number “Another Pyramid” moved so perfectly with the music that they seemed to almost mirror the notes. Their slinky, cat-like graceful movements emphasized the stealthy, devious intentions of Zoser and the Ministers. Parading as the epitome of evil, the ill intentions shown in a human shape and form, these dancers became the highlight of the song. Another number, the “Dance of the Robe,” captured perhaps the most profound emotion I have ever seen revealed in a dance. The performers were bursting with power, and in every leap and turn their bodies told their painful stories. Miraculously, they illustrated the anguish of their captured bodies, the strength in their unbreakable souls, and their inerasable passion for life – all in one dance. At one point I even felt that they were not only no longer dancers on the stage, but not even captured Nubian slaves. Instead, to me they had become ideas and feelings – the jumping sting of a lash, the reaching longing for freedom, and the fierce pounding of determination. At times even more powerful than the notes it accompanied, the choreography was essential for the expressive impact of the show.
Aida truly touched me through the accurate portrayal of real human emotion. Not at all sappy, I was again reminded of what it truly means to be an artist. After listening to so many songs repetitively on the radio or imageless notes on a CD, part of the possible wholeness of feelings often times seem to be lost. I could see, after attending the show and meeting with them, why the actors/actresses were chosen for certain parts and why their love for the performing arts is so strong. Although these artists are all normal, fun-loving people, they have the remarkable talent of expressing true emotion through their acting with just one look, one tilt of the head. This I admire, and it is because of their work that I so appreciate theater.
I truly applaud the work Elton John and Tim Rice did with the musical element of the show. Some songs I had heard before, some I had not, but I felt that I rose with the crescendo of each line and felt the overwhelming emotional effect intended. The actors and actresses also did an amazing job with the vocal aspect of the performance. Each one portrayed their character extremely well. Casey Elliott, who played Rademes, radiated a sense of confidence and vigor while also showing extreme tenderness in bending to the wills of love. From “Fortune Favors the Brave” to “Elaborate Lives,” it is easy to see how love changed the heart of a man so proud. Leah Allers was also very entertaining with her performance as Amneris, and her contrasting tones “My Strongest Suit” and “I Know the Truth” really depicted the change her character had undergone. Amneris, played by Marja Harmon, simply left me awestruck. Her intelligence and wonderful heart radiated from her voice, and it seemed as if she truly meant every word she sang or said. In every heart-wrenching moment between Ameneris and Rademes her heart seemed to truly break, and in every attempt to uplift the people of Nubia her dedication to her people really shone through. This raw, honest rendering of emotion, above all else, amazed and inspired me.
There was much more choreography in the show than I had expected. After hearing that it was taken from an opera, I had anticipated much more singing than dancing. However, I am glad for the choreography included in the performance because it was easily one of my favorite aspects of the show. The dancers in the number “Another Pyramid” moved so perfectly with the music that they seemed to almost mirror the notes. Their slinky, cat-like graceful movements emphasized the stealthy, devious intentions of Zoser and the Ministers. Parading as the epitome of evil, the ill intentions shown in a human shape and form, these dancers became the highlight of the song. Another number, the “Dance of the Robe,” captured perhaps the most profound emotion I have ever seen revealed in a dance. The performers were bursting with power, and in every leap and turn their bodies told their painful stories. Miraculously, they illustrated the anguish of their captured bodies, the strength in their unbreakable souls, and their inerasable passion for life – all in one dance. At one point I even felt that they were not only no longer dancers on the stage, but not even captured Nubian slaves. Instead, to me they had become ideas and feelings – the jumping sting of a lash, the reaching longing for freedom, and the fierce pounding of determination. At times even more powerful than the notes it accompanied, the choreography was essential for the expressive impact of the show.
Aida truly touched me through the accurate portrayal of real human emotion. Not at all sappy, I was again reminded of what it truly means to be an artist. After listening to so many songs repetitively on the radio or imageless notes on a CD, part of the possible wholeness of feelings often times seem to be lost. I could see, after attending the show and meeting with them, why the actors/actresses were chosen for certain parts and why their love for the performing arts is so strong. Although these artists are all normal, fun-loving people, they have the remarkable talent of expressing true emotion through their acting with just one look, one tilt of the head. This I admire, and it is because of their work that I so appreciate theater.
posted by ISC On Stage @ 8:39 AM
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