AIDA Enchants at the Candlelight Pavilion
A Tale of Star-Crossed Lovers based on the Verdi Opera
CLAREMONT, CA— Disney first produced this lavish epic of ancient Egypt, a classic tale of forbidden love told as only pop music Elton John and Tim Rice (Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) can. Aida, a wise and beautiful Nubian princess, is captured by the mighty, passionate Egyptian captain Radames, who falls in love with her, yet he can only be with her if he gives her as a handmaiden to the princess he must marry. A winner of 4, 2000 Tony Awards, including Best Original Musical Score, Giuseppe Verdi’s story is boldly reincarnated into a new extravagant feast for all the senses.
The origins of Aida began in 1871 after the Franco-Prussian war. It was an opera created by Verdi and originally performed in Cairo, before later moving to Milan where it made its European premier. The story revolves around a Nubian slave and an Egyptian soldier, who, against the rules of their societies, fall in love with each other and are forced to choose between death or to live and be parted forever.
In 1996, hot off the release of Disney’s major blockbuster, The Lion King, Disney executives were anxious to develop another animated feature in association with Elton John and Tim Rice, the team behind the music of The Lion King. Disney had already acquired the rights to create an animated feature of Aida, which would be based off of a children’s storybook version by Leontyne Price. However, Elton John made a separate proposition, that the story be developed directly as a stage musical; originally under the name Elaborate Lives: The Legend of Aida. The story would be taken directly from the Verdi Opera, but with contemporary music by Elton John and Tim Rice. After multiple previews, Aida would open on Broadway at the Palace Theatre in March 2000 and would close in September 2004 after 1,852 performances. Aida was nominated for five Tony Awards winning four including Best Original Score and Best Performance by a Leading Actress. Aida’s music is likened to the styling of The Lion King, with its “emphasis on ethnically diverse stylistic influences,” including Motown, gospel and pop.
Aida has been performed around the world in twenty different countries and fourteen different languages. It has had two US National tours and is frequently performed throughout the country. This will mark the first time that Aida will be performed on the Candlelight Pavilion’s stage. Bringing this show and cast together is Paul David Bryant as director and choreographer, with the assistance of Janet Renslow (choreographer of Singin’ in the Rain and Cats) and Music Director Allen Everman (Music Director of 2011’s The Marvelous Wonderettes). With music by a renowned team, Elton John and Tim Rice, and a story set by one of the worlds most performed operas by Verdi; this musical will truly leave a beautiful impression in your heart as you contemplate the meaning of this story. But what will happen to the two star-crossed lovers? You will just have to come and see the show!
This wonderful cast includes Amber Thompson (Aida), Adam Lubicz (Radames), Lindsay Martin (Amneris), John LaLonde (Zoser), Monica Quinn Gonzalez (Nehebka), Wesley Mosteller (Mereb), Christopher Van Etten (Pharoah), Deejay Byrd (Amonasro/Ensemble), Jazz Madison (Ensemble/Aida Understudy), Tim Woods (Ensemble/Radames Understudy), and Brenna Wahl (Ensemble/Amneris Understudy). The talented ensemble cast includes Miguel Cardenas, Stephanie Garrobo, Alexis Herrera, Ceisley M. Jefferson, Sonya Lincoln, James Oronoz, Eric W. Taylor, Jenaé Thompson, Susanna Vaughan, and Shafik Wahhab.
Elton John and Time Rice’s AIDA opens April 20th at the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater. Tickets are available by calling (909) 626-1254, ext 1. Regular ticket prices range from $48-$68 which includes both dinner and show. The Candlelight Pavilion is proud to announce its flexible payment plans to all Season ticket holders; save 10% on season tickets when you book as few as four shows. For more information regarding the 2012 season line-up and ticketing, please visit us online at www.thecpdt.com.
About the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater
Ben D. Bollinger’s Candlelight Pavilion was founded in 1985. Since then, the Candlelight Pavilion has produced over 170 professional shows from classic musicals to contemporary favorites. From Broadway performers to local professionals, the Candlelight Pavilion has an array of talented actors, directors and choreographers that have remarkable credentials.
The production staff has worked for acclaimed companies such as Disney, and has produced shows both nationally and internationally. The Pavilion is a 299 seat house offering fine dining and theater. From cozy round tables for two up front to larger tables of eight, comfortable booths, and even private balcony rooms the Candlelight Pavilion is an elegant place to spend any evening. Dining at the Candlelight Pavilion includes waiter-served meals instead of typical dinner theater buffets. The flavorful cuisine sets a dinner theater standard of its own.
WHAT: Elton John and Tim Rice’s “AIDA”
WHO: Book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls and David Henry Hwang, with Music by Elton John and Lyrics by Tim Rice. Direction and Choreography by Paul David Bryant, Music Direction by Allen Everman and Assistant to the Director, Janet Renslow for the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater.
WHERE: Candlelight Pavilion, 455 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711. Parking is available surrounding the theater.
WHEN: April 20th through June 3rd. Thursday-Saturday evenings at 6pm. Sunday evenings at 5pm. Saturday and Sunday matinees at 11am.
PRICING: $48-$68 for adult tickets. $25-$30 for children 12 and under. Ticket price includes meal, show and sales tax. Appetizers, desserts, beverages and waiter’s gratuity are additional within the theater.
RESERVATIONS: (909)626-1254 ext. 1
ONLINE RESERVATIONS: www.candlelightpavilion.com