LOL I expected that she got in easy too, but when I saw her I truly believed she would have gotten it even if she didn't have connections. She's a fabulous actress and singer, and sounds EXACTLY like the OBC. I believe Leah has the talent to get into this business even without her dad. I swear this is the part she was born for.
Hey guys...thanks again for the positive feedback on the show. I figure since I visit the boards I'd provide a little information on the discussion at hand. Disney has everything to do with this show. Big League is producing the show, and MTI of course provides the rights to it, but Disney had the first and last say in everything. They had the final casting choices, and they also attended the rehearsals in New York before the tour went out to approve. They even had to approve small things like the souvenir program sold at the merchandise table. The music supervisor is Rob Mikulski who worked on the show from conception, to previws, to the day it closed on Broadway. It is not put out by Disney, but it is with their blessing that this tour is out. As far as Leah Allers, I can only say this. The casting department had already chosen her before they knew who her father was. Everyone in this cast earned their positions on their own. Hope that clarified some things. :)
Man...when I went to the King Center to see Jesus Christ Superstar, I begged my mom to see Aida. She said that once was enough for her (we'd already seen it at Mel High). That's not to say that she didn't enjoy it, I suppose.
OMFG!!! I GO TO MEL HIGH! LOL that is soooo insane. it really is a small world. I am freshman this year so I wasn't in it, but I looked at the pics. What did you think of it?
Dirty Rotten Scoundrel - I know what you mean. The guy playing Zoser was so incoherent!
Ahaha, I saw Mel High's Aida to see two of my friends (one played Amneris and the other in the chorus) and well, hmm it was...interesting. And painful to watch. But the actors playing Aida and Radames were awesome singing-wise. And my friend (who is one of those completely-incredible-you're-jealous-of type) was just fabulous. Other than that I really did not like the show.
Attend the tale of Bovine Boy
His party threads we all enjoy
But does he have Mad Cow Disease?
He doesn't eat beef - but cows skating? - oh please!!!
With cocoa!?!
And lemonade!?!
The heifer-mad poster of Broadway
(World)
OMFG!!! I GO TO MEL HIGH! LOL that is soooo insane. it really is a small world. I am freshman this year so I wasn't in it, but I looked at the pics. What did you think of it?
I actually quite enjoyed Aida when I watched and critiqued it as a Cappies critic. I had never seen the show before. And seeing it at Mel High prompted me to buy the OBCR and give it about a trillion listens. =P
I also absolutely adore you Mel High kids. A lot. AND Mr. Savickis is one of the coolest sponsors I've met. Monica and I are semi-buddies. And TJ. Aaand...Allyssa (from last year) and I still talk once in a while.
I'm the District XI Student Representative...if that helps you know who I am at all. I'm the blonde girl who was sitting a row behind the judges for most of the shows (with a timer). I also might have handed you a Superior ribbon when you guys came up to get them for your one-act? Eh, oh well if you don't remember me.
Yeah, Aida at Mel High was good. And I can't wait to see Footloose there this year!!! =]
Yes!! I was at the matinee on Sunday. I was quite impressed. I have seen the original on Broadway 4 times. The ensemble was outstanding. The understudy was on for Amneris, I think she was from the Atlanta area, so she had a lot of fans in the audiance. She did a good job her voice was very strong and she really fed off of the audiance. I don't like to be negative, but the coments about DJ Rudd are on the money, he was really weak compared to the rest of the cast. As for the leads, great casting! Casey Elliot needs to be on Broadway, if they have a revival of Miss Saigon, they should look no further for the part of Chris. The orchestra should also be commended for a great job. This is a very enjoyable and satisfying tour, see it if you can.
"The orchestra should also be commended for a great job."
When did they add an orchestra? During the stop here in upstate NY, there was none. I was sitting fourth row and got up during intermission. I peeked into the pit...no orchestra.
Musicians, Instruments and a Conductor. Not a full orchestra that they would have at a Broadway show, but the music was all performed live right in the pit. Before the show one of the musicians that played the drums was talking to some people he knew in the lobby and explaining the different instruments used for the African rythms. They did a superb job.
I saw this show last night. It was...interesting...not what I expected at all.
The cast and singing was great (Leah, Marja, Casey), but why on Earth does there need to be a short dance number every 2 minutes? I kind of felt as though the storyline was lacking and maybe they used the dancing (which was good, just unnecessary) to fill it up?
The set was pretty dull, although the stage WAS small and this IS a touring company, so I guess I should've expected it. And yes, there was an orchestra. The orchestra played so loudly that at times, the lyrics were inaudible. (either that, or the mics volume needed to be turned up)
I have to agree with the DJ Rudd comments...his performance seemed a little weak. He didn't cut it as Radames father when singing "Like father like son"...he seemed more like a little brother than a father.
So I guess all in all...it was an okay show. Definitely not my favorite, but not my least favorite either.
