Youth performance of ‘Aida’ transports audience to ancient Egypt

Sit back as a love story unfolds and enjoy your trip to ancient Egypt when the Looking Glass Playhouse presents its summer youth musical, “Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida,” the school edition.

Adapted from the four-time Tony Award-winning hit, this contemporary production for young actors and audiences is an epic tale of loyalty and betrayal, chronicling the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country; Amneris, an Egyptian princess; and Radames, the soldier they both love.

Jason Johnson directs the play with Sarah James as assistant director and a cast of 40 children and teens.

“The talent in this production is outstanding,” Jason said.

Thelma Thomas is Aida, who disguises her royal lineage and is the handmaiden of Amneris, portrayed by Kristen Lintvedt. Connor Sanders is Radames, who is captain of the Egyptian army. Alex Eichholz is trusted servant Mereb, with Liam Brenzel playing Radames’ father, Zoser. Andrew Pellman is the Pharaoh. Emily Knedel is Nehebka and Griffin Vroman is King of Nubia, Amonasro, who also is Aida’s father.

The show is performed in two acts based on Giuseppe Verdi’s opera of the same name. The musical originated from a children’s storybook version of the opera written by the soprano Leontyne Price. Elton John and Rice took on the job of creating a Broadway version, which opens in a modern-day museum then transports the audience to the ancient Middle East.

The musical opens tonight with performances through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Looking Glass Playhouse, 301 W. St. Louis St. in Lebanon. Tickets are $6 and available online at www.centerstageticketing.com/sites/lookingglass. Or call the box office at 618-537-4962 and leave a message.

This story was originally published June 22, 2016 at 9:30 AM with the headline "Youth performance of ‘Aida’ transports audience to ancient Egypt."