Photos from Ahmanson Theatre Patrick
Cassidy is Radames, an Egyptian captain, and
Simone is Aida, the enslaved Nubian princess who
captures his heart at great peril in Disney’s latest musical,
"Aida."
By Amy Shen
Daily Bruin Contributor
Two ill-fated lovers, struggling against adversity to be
together for eternity. The story has been told before ““ but
it never looked or sounded like this.
“Aida,” Elton John and Tim Rice’s
award-winning Disney musical, brings this enduring love story back
to Broadway with glorious life. Premiering for the first time in
Los Angeles this month, “Aida” will run through January
at the Ahmanson Theatre.
Disney’s musical love story tells the story of Aida
(Simone), a Nubian princess captured and enslaved in Egypt, Radames
(Patrick Cassidy), an Egyptian captain who falls in love with her,
and Amneris (Kelli Fournier), the Egyptian princess who is
Radames’ betrothed. Aida and Radames fall in love during a
time when their countries are at war; overcoming hatred and
bigotry, they must ultimately decide between the love they feel for
each other and the duty they feel to their people.
“I think it’s a very good story because it touches
so many different people on so many different levels,”
Fournier said.
“Everyone has loved and lost in their life “¦ so
everyone is touched by the story.”
The play, produced by Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical
Productions and directed by Robert Falls, features a score written
by Elton John and Tim Rice, their latest collaboration since
working on the highly acclaimed score for “The Lion
King.”
“I love (the score). It’s amazing growing up
listening to Elton and knowing that I’m singing some of his
stuff “¦ They are a brilliant team together. They did such a
good job with “˜The Lion King’ and they came together
again to do this,” Fournier said.
After “Aida” opened on Broadway in March of 2000 it
won four 2000 Tony Awards, including Best Score, and has been
playing for packed houses ever since.
“Bob Crowley who designed the sets and the costumes is a
genius. He put everything on stage for a purpose. Natasha Katz did
a wonderful job with the lighting. So you have all these elements
put together, and I think it makes a really good show,”
Fournier said.
Crowley, who has designed over 50 productions, won the 2000 Tony
Award for Best Scenic Design for “Aida;” and Natasha
Katz, who was also nominated for her work on “Beauty and the
Beast,” won Best Lighting Design.
“”˜Aida’ was made with really fantastic people
who are at the top of their game “¦ It’s spectacular to
look at, and it doesn’t look like what you’re
expecting, so that’s kind of arresting,” Schumacher
said.
Complementing the expert craftsmanship that went into the design
of “Aida” is its cast. The touring cast stars Simone,
Cassidy and Fournier, among others. Simone, who plays Aida, has
also preformed in Broadway hits like “Jesus Christ
Superstar” and “Rent.” She also writes and sings
for the Grammy Award-nominated jazz group Liquid Soul and opened
for Sting this past summer.
“The biggest thrill about working with Simone is watching
how she has developed in the show, and watching how fantastic she
has become in it. She owns it. She’s made it very unique and
very much herself and she’s a powerhouse,” Schumacher
said.
Cassidy, who plays Radames, is a prolific singer/actor who has
been seen in countless productions ranging from Broadway to the
small screen, including roles in “Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Pirates of
Penzance.”
Fournier, who plays Amneris, made her Broadway debut in
“Aida.” Prior to Broadway she played Lina Lamont in
“Singin’ in the Rain” and Sandy in
“Grease,” and also appeared in television spots like
“Problem Child 3″ and “Indiana Jones
Special.”
Producer Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical Productions is
also responsible for “The Lion King” as well as 17
movies. Schumacher is a UCLA alumnus who graduated in 1980 with a
degree in theater.
“It’s great to work with people who have been in the
business for so much of their life,” Fournier said.
“Patrick (Cassidy) is my favorite. And Simone is like my
sister ““ we’re very, very close “¦ (Thomas
Schumacher) puts me in awe every time I see him. He’s such a
great people-person and he’s so sweet. The man does so much.
He’s always there for us. It’s very nice to be in a
family like that.”
Throughout its’ national tour, “Aida” has
received mixed reviews from critics, though it has been generally
well received by audiences. However, for the cast and crew, the
approval of the audience is all that truly matters. Fournier says
that despite a few snide reviews, the audience still loves the show
““ the cast receives a standing ovation every night ““
and the show is almost always a sell out.
“People at the show go crazy and that’s the greatest
review of all,” Schumacher said.