We all live such elaborate lives
Playing games we can’t all win
The moment I realized that Atlantis Productions is staging AIDA, I know there is no way I will not watch it. With the musical score written by Elton John and Tim Rice (The Lion King), the original Broadway cast’s recorded soundtrack is one of those I can recommend to any one who appreciates love songs and emotional tunes. It’s definitely more accessible than the lyrics and score of my other favorite showtunes such as Rent and The Last Five Years.
Well, in not so many words, I loved the local interpretation! It’s not perfect, with technical glitches (even a couple of errant deliveries from actors) and all, but the powerhouse casting of Ima Castro and Rachel Alejandro is something I’ve been missing from other musicals I recently watched that left me wanting for much more (West Side Story, Spring Awakening). I don’t care much for choreography, blocking, orchestrations, and all those other stuff; I just want the leads to move me enough to appreciate even more material I already love. Nothing can replace the experience and efficiency of these veterans in almost every aspect of performance, but especially Ima (Aida) sings so beautifully I wish I didn’t watch the closing show so I can do a repeat. Rachel (Amneris) is a very engaging presence on stage, with perfect comedic timing she’ll knock you down with an emotional punch without you realizing the shift. Myke Salomon, first time I heard of him and heard him (sing), was a revelation. He fits the role and rocked it. All in all, a Sunday well spent. Sorry about baptism invitations from invitationbox.com I ignored.
Just a couple of clips from the original cast (promotional videos):
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