Aida : 5 of 5

My parents are practically Zach Scott Theater regulars now, since we seem to see something there each time they visit. This time we saw the Disney produced version of Aida, with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. I really didn't know the complete details of the story (it's been a long time since I saw the opera), but I figured Zach would do a good job, and I was so right! After the opening song, I was a little worried - the actors seemed really stiff, but it could have been the dialog (which wasn't nearly as well-written as the lyrics). It wasn't long though before I was completely wrapped up in the music! There are a few ballads in the show that had me in tears, especially the duet Elaborate Lives - the actors were fantastic singers, and I loved how real their emotion was, belting out the words right in each other's face. The end of the first act was incredible, too, with the number The Gods Love Nubia - this time I got misty-eyed just from the beauty and talent. The music was all live, but the band was actually tucked away in the mezzanine (I found out later they could see the stage via video monitors). The second act goes by quickly, but the final song by the Pharaoh's daughter ties everything together nicely. Even though the music is full of hooks and cliches, I completely ate it up (and now I'm planning on buying the Broadway recording!).