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Aida
Rocky Hill Town Theatre
Review
by John Hoyle March 25, 2006
The "Miss America Phenomenon" states that last
years winner will grow much more beautiful - after winning - than she was
on the day she won. Rocky Hill Town Theatre is a manifestation of this - after winning the
Years Best Musical
2005, they've come back with a show, the Elton John-Tim Rice
Aida; that exceeds even the
expectations placed on an award winning Theatre group.
An adaptation of Verdi's opera, Aida is a classic love triangle which includes the social
construct of forbidden love. Aida, a Nubian princess
(played wonderfully by Famecia Ward) , is captured by an
Egyptian captain, Radames (Brian Fortin). He soon falls in love
with her and saves her from a life of hard labor by giving her
as a handmaiden to the Egyptian princess Amneris (Jessica
Faraday), his fiancé
and the Pharaohs daughter. Set against a backdrop of loyalty,
betrayal, and forbidden love; Aida is the story of three people forced to make difficult choices. Other elements of the story involve Aida's relationship
with her people and her father; as well as Radames relation with
his father. The story focuses on the Nubian relationships; while
the Egyptian perspective is thin and underdeveloped, becoming
nearly an evil caricature as embodied in the person of Zoser,
Radames father (nonetheless, played masterfully by Michael
Baron).
Aida, as presented by Rocky Hill, is a spectacle which Must
be seen to be appreciated. Under the capable direction of Elizabeth Daigle, this
production is
stunning on many levels. Ms. Daigle has masterfully assembled
superlative talent and created a confident cohesive team. This
production is seamless. Scene changes are flawless, timing precise,
lighting is professionally delivered. The
show moves quickly with no dull moments. RHTT has not only
staged the first
Connecticut Community Theatre-based
production of the John-Rice Aida, but has done it with remarkable finesse.
During this show, an auditorium is transformed into a center of great
performing arts and Rocky Hill can boast one of Connecticut's
finest stages.
The stage craft of Charles Wisnioski, Technical Director and Scenic Designer, is some of the finest to be seen.
Mr. Wisnioski's sets are large, colorful, and finely detailed.
Mr. Wisnioki's splendid settings frame elaborate scenes on the large
stage of Symington Auditorium. Each set is a masterpiece to be
pondered and enjoyed. In addition to the rich set pieces;
set design also allows focus on performances. At times he frames
performers as shadows on a red backdrop, or permits an up-close-and
personal song in front of a rich black stage curtain, or a
distant image of a Nile delta tree-line. From the opening
curtain, these sets are enchanting masterpieces of stagework.
Interspersed throughout this vast production are energetic
dance numbers. Chris Mahn, a veteran whose credits include such
now legendary stages as Theatre by the Sea; has choreographed a
show within a show. Dances are descriptive, sensuous, and
captivating. There are no weak movements in this bold show.
Designer Solveig Pflueger has created costumes that not only
enhance scenic perception, but at times can't help but
overwhelm. A lavish costume parade ensues in a scene that
compares favorably with the classic works of Erte'.
Lighting is yet another area where this production excels.
There are no 'dark' moments, or wayward beams. Tim Honan's use
of light is of laserlike precision.
The band under the direction of Carlos Silva - Rocks! With a sharp
drummer, deep and emotional cello; crisp piano, and some of the
finest flute playing I've heard, this band is a show in it's own
right. While I've seen Carlos Silva perform on stage, and heard
him sing, I've never had the pleasure of hearing him conduct -
or of seeing a show under his musical direction. Now I can't
decide which is his primary talent - he clearly has an abundance.
Standing out from an exceptionally skilled, talented cast is Famecia Ward as Aida. Ms.
Ward has a magnetic stage presence and a flawless, strong and
emotive voice. She captures the stage each time she appears and
never fails to enchant with both her singing , acting, and stage
demeanor. Being beautiful is another asset, yet Ms. Ward is
equally as enchanting for her expressiveness. Famecia is
entirely geared to perform and excels in her most
challenging numbers. I'm reminded of children out to see Santa
and passing stores full of them. When they find the real
thing - they know it. Have No doubt - Famecia Ward Is Aida and
there is no finer portrayal to be found. This is it.
Jessica Faraday, a providential fit as Amneris, opens with a stunning "Every story is a Love story".
Equally capable when delivering delicate ballads or belting
the roof off, Ms. Faraday also delivers a needed depth to her character
- Amneris, who serves both as the character with the greatest
growth thru perceptive transition; and eventually the witness to
events. Her duets with Ms. Ward are masterpieces which
hit the rare highs in song and character that make Musicals a great and unique art form. Their singing manages to go
beyond creating beautiful songs into the realm of creating dramatic art,
the highest form of musical theatre.
Brian Fortin as Ramades is another superlative performer.
Brian has a great voice, and can hold and project a song with
stunning effect. He is a great fit and lead, and one of
the few who fully deserve to be onstage as the equal of Aida and
Amneris.
The audience is lucky to have this combination of talent in
one show.
The principal cast members comprise an exceptionally strong
talent pool. Zoser as played by Michael Baron proves to have a
great voice and wonderful acting abilities. While consigned to
be the requisite 'heavy' motivated only by lust for power and
greed, Mr. Baron nonetheless delivers an enjoyable character.
Mr. Baron also delivers great songs. He is a tremendous singer
and is perfectly cast. Shontae White
delivers a likeable Mereb with both a believable stage
presence and an easily familiar demeanor. With a brilliant sense
of comedic timing, Mr. White manages to sneak in light moments
under the worst of circumstances. Roderick Tyler
also delivers as Amonasro, Aida's father. Mr. Tyler gives his
role a great deal of energy, he is convincing and
has a strong voice to deliver any song. Carletha Hawley's Nehebka is superb. Ms. Hawley's
voice and acting ability are flawless.
Perhaps the biggest puzzle to me was the ensemble, which
contains performers of exceptional talent and singing skills.
Many of the names in the ensemble are great singers and
performers in their own rights - Denise Fyler, April Chateauneuf,
Tara Abate, Michael Citak, Jessica Friend, to name just a few.
I've heard these people sing - and fully expected an ensemble
that would blow the roof off - yet the ensemble's sound was -
for all the assembled talent - subdued. While perfectly on time
and on pitch - they did not belt as they are clearly capable of
doing. I can only guess that this is the decision of musical
direction, or a technical issue of miking. Regardless, the
ensemble, while not as strong as it could have been, was on
target with each song.
This is a rare show - where many elements, and people come
together to create excellence. Seating is limited! For anyone
who wants to see a Broadway Quality show in all terms - music,
setting, cast, direction - this is it!
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