AIDA REVIVAL- Spring 2020

SouthernCakes said: "Yeah I saw this and found it interesting? Why would it need a developmental lab?"

Many shows do developmental labs, revivals as well as new musicals. It's a way to get the show on its feet with actors so the producers and creative team can see what is there. It's also a way to test out new choreography, vocal arrangements, book/score changes, a way to see how specific actors would work in the show (a lengthy audition), etc.

In a "normal" situation, it's also a way to whip up investor interest, but Disney clearly doesn't have to worry about that; it could be a way to get approval from top Disney brass, to appeal to Group Sales agents, to gain interest from a non-profit partner for an out-of-town tryout, etc.

 

EDIT: The OP's headline is misleading, though –– you make it sound like a full production is happening in Spring 2020.

Updated On: 11/22/19 at 01:06 PM

RE: Schele Williams' hiring, let's assume that they want to keep the general "feel" of the original while tweaking it for today's audiences (perhaps making it more intimate, improving the flow, framing it in a specific way, etc). Obviously Bob Falls and Wayne Cilento would make themselves available for a Disney paycheck if this AIDA was going to be a true recreation, and the involvement of Camille Brown indicates it won't be a step-for-step rehash of the 2000 version. It's great that Disney has hired two women of color, too.

To give them the benefit of the doubt, this could also be a Michael Arden situation. 5 years ago, who would have thought he'd direct two of the most exciting & inventive musical revivals in recent memory?

Updated On: 11/22/19 at 02:47 PM

Perhaps they'll add a few more songs and cut down on some of the longer, clunkier stretches of book; the licensed libretto has already done some of this streamlining, but I always felt as though the show wanted to be a pop opera but felt obliged to have a book.

Synecdoche2 said: "Hopefully they'll learn that Egyptians aren't white this time."

ding ding ding 

Schele has been involved with Aida since pre broadway. Personally I loved her Aida, she was stunning in the role. I find it inspired choice for a director. She knows the show. Was in the room when it was being created. I look forward to seeing her version. 
 

Call_me_jorge said: "I’m confused by the involvement of Williams. Are they expecting her to recreate the original or create something new? For the directorial work she does has, she’s only been an Associate and hasn’t had much work conceiving stuff on her own. Certainly there are other directors, with more credits, who are up for the challenge. Like Liesl Tommy for instance."