Personal Aida Review

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 1/18/04 at 10:22am

Hello, all. I did Student Rush for Aida yesterday, successfully. I sat with my father in the front row. We were center, which I thought would be amazing. They were indeed, amazing, because you could see the performers so close and it was like being in the show with them. We were engulfed in the smoke that came down from the stage, and sometimes the light hit us as well. The downfall was we really couldn't see the back of the stage well at all. But it was an incredible experience, though, and I really loved it.

The performances:
I saw Saycon Sengbloh perform as Aida, and she was absolutely phenomenal. She was so incredibly passionate, and I loved being up close to be a part of that. Sometimes she was a little bit melodramatic, and it wasn't really believable, but only at some points. Overall, her acting and voice blew me away. She's a beautiful, and amazingly talented young woman who deserves to take over the role sometime soon.
I also saw Chuck Saculla as Radames, which thrilled me even before the show started- I really dislike Will Chase. I saw him perform at Broadway in Bryant Park and he had no presence. But Saculla did a fantastic job. His voice was very similar to Adam Pascal's and that worked, I suppose. They both have voices fit for rock music, and that was the style of the show. He was the perfect Radames- dashing, handsome, and had a strong commanding presence on the stage. I really enjoyed him, and him and Sengbloh together were a force.
Lisa Brescia took over as Amneris. I didn't know until I got to the theater, when I saw her picture on the wall. I thought Mandy GOnzalez was still playing the role. But Brescia was really, really mind-blowing. Quite possibly the PERFECT Amneris, next to Sherie Rene Scott. They actually look a lot alike in costume. Brescia's voice was really incredible. She wasn't tense at all. It just came out easily. Her acting was really strong as well. She played the comedy to it's peak, and really brought in the drama as well.
But one of the highlights of the show was Delisco as Mereb. This man is one of the most polished triple threats I've ever seen. He can DANCE, sing beautifully, and has great, great acting skills. I knew I was in for a treat from his first line. He was perfect for the role. I thought he was in the original cast. I don't feel the desire to see anyone in that role except that man. He was PERFECT.
Mickey Dolenz was also a force as Zoser. It was pretty amazing having him 3 feet away from me belting out "Another Pyramid". He is in great voice, and is in pretty decent shape for a man his age. My father and I were throughly impressed by his performance.

The technical aspect of the show was outstanding. The sets and LIGHTING were incredible. The laser beams, and shadow effects were all so impressive. The costumes were awesome as well. I loved all of the outfits in "My Strongest Suit".

And the choreography was, in my opinion, brilliant. The sharp movements really hit you, and when they pounded on the floor during the African Style dances, I felt my heart skip a beat. I was there with them. It was really an awesome experience.

If you're planning on seeing the show anytime soon, go on a Wednesday or Saturday matinee to see Sengbloh. The cast I saw yesterday was absolutely perfect.

[ruthiefan_felix]

Posted: 1/18/04 at 10:53am

Hi,
I am SO jealous!!! How I want to see AIDA just once.... just once!!!!! Any cast will do!!!! I don't care whether it's Michelle Williams (From what I heard, she was the worst Aida) and any casts!!!!!! But unfortunately I live in UK and cannot come to NYC *sighes... cries* I know the musical is cool!!!!! I really want to see it! I hope it will come to Westend!!! Ruthie will be a perfect Amneris too!!!

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 1/18/04 at 10:58am

It's good to hear that AIDA is back on track.

I'm pretty sure Delisco was in the original cast. I saw him last year in it.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/18/04 at 12:00pm

So glad to hear that the show isn't completely a mess, even if two of the leads were not the regular actors. You were probably better off. I'm scared for what will happen if pop stars continue to play Aida, which sucks because I love that show so much, but I can't get myself to go back and see it with Michelle.
I think Will Chase usually does Wednesday and Saturday matinees, but I could be wrong. Michelle Williams does not. I saw Saycon in for Simone in the spring and I loved her. And another Radames that sounds like Adam?! Where can I find pictures/sound clips?! That excites me. Oh, and JoizeyActor, Damian Perkins played Mereb in the OBC. Delisco has been in the show for a while, though.

Updated On: 1/18/04 at 12:00 PM

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 1/18/04 at 12:08pm

"I'm scared for what will happen if pop stars continue to play Aida,"

Nothing will happen.

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 1/18/04 at 12:31pm

I'm so glad you enjoyed the show. I really want to see Aida. Hopefully, I'll get around to it this summer, when they don't have an R&B star playing Aida.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/18/04 at 12:55pm

Clearly I meant that it would cause the earth to spontaneously combust....
I know nothing will really happen. It won't cause the show to close. I just feel like having people who can't act is ruining the character. Aida is so strong, and if someone who can't act is playing her, it takes away from that, and that's a huge part of the story.

Updated On: 1/18/04 at 12:55 PM

[Auggie27]

Posted: 1/18/04 at 1:19pm

Does anyone ever play eight shows a week of this thing? Headley did the first year, if I recall. As duly noted in this review, it's probably better to see a talented singer than the shoved-in pop diva (?) of the month, who's been shoe-horned in, under-rehearsed, keys lowered, microphone way, way up. My cynicism about this trend is at an all time high, or low. But Johnpapa should have the final word.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 1/18/04 at 1:35pm

Great review. I saw Lisa on tour and yes, she WAS amazing. Awesome comedic timing. Dolenz (also saw on tour) was OK, but he did not blow me away. Don't even get me started on Aida's lighting. Katz's did a PHENOMENAL job!

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 1/18/04 at 5:07pm

Yes! The lighting was fantastic. Delisco has been in a cast a while, since 2000 I believe. I am thrilled I saw him.

Go see Aida now!!! The "pop divas" usually don't do Wednesday or Saturday matinees. Just check the schedule before you go, so that you're guaranteed a good lead, and not the pop singers they throw into the show.

I couldn't care less if they keep putting pop stars into the show, as long as I don't have to see them when I pay money to enjoy myself. And BOY, did I enjoy myself.

[Broadwaygirl4life]

Posted: 1/18/04 at 5:58pm

Michelle Williams isn't a bad AIDA at all! I thought she was pretty good! Better then Toni Braxton!

[NativeNewYorker]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 3:30pm

I agree about Delisco...he's adorable! Really makes you want to cheer for him at curtain call.

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 4:47pm

I saw it with Simone, Adam Pascal, and Felicia Finnley. All three of them blew the roof off of the Palace.

[Phantom05]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 4:48pm

Is Mandy Gonzalez still Amneris? I hope so.....She is such an amazing performer!

See Ya!

Phantom05

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 4:49pm

No. Like mentioned above, it is Lisa Brescia, who looks the part a lot more then Gonzalez does. Brescia has a fabulous voice, and is seemingly the perfect Amneris. I love Mandy, but Lisa is really phenomenal.

[Phantom05]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 4:59pm

Oh ok....Great review though, it really makes me want to go see it...The current cast sounds great!

Phantom05

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 5:27pm

Well, I didn't see the current Aida and Radames. Sengbloh was the standby and Saculla was the understudy--I caught Saculla by luck. I don't know when he next performs.

[Benzy92]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 5:35pm

Great review, almost wants me to see it again. I saw Adam Pascal and Sherie Rene Scott, but got Heather Headley's stand-by Thursday Farrar. To this day, I am pissed Heather was not there.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 8:00pm

I enjoyed reading this personal review, Billy Lawlor.

Now I'm ready for the impersonal one.

[NYCbabe3789]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 8:42pm

I agree with all of the comments about pop stars in this role. Aida used to be one of my favorite shows until I went and saw it with Toni. *shudder* I won't be in a hurry to see it again until a well-trained actress is in the role.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 11:03pm

I saw the SAME performance, if you speak of the matinee on that same day, the 17th of January. Three understudies performed, for Aida, Radames, and Pharaoh.

I must disagree with your comments. I saw the show with Sherie Renee Scott, Heather Headley, and (what's his name I always forget!). That was the ultimate cast, can't get better.

The actress who played Amneris was quite good, but no Ms. Scott. She needed to be bigger in the role.

The understudy for Radames was good as well.

The understudy for Aida, however, failed. Her singing was horriffic. Her acting was above average, at best. Nothing special. She ruined the show for me.

The show itself is extremely good. They need to save it. What they should do is bring back Heather Headley and Sherie Renne Scott, then after they leave again, bring in all unknowns, NO pop-stars! Get a good singer for Aida who doesn't feel the need to scrunch her face every note she sings.

The theatre didn't help my enjoyment after the show. It was the coldest it has ever been, so of course I had on two jackets and layers of clothing. Didn't make it in time to see if they had a coat check-in. Everyone had their coats with them, so I guess not. The Palace Theatre needs to rearrange its seating. HORRIBLE! Even if you stand and fold the seat up, people can barely get past you to their seats. Wanted to leave.

Monkee's singer (Mickey) was very good in his role. Better than I had thought.

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 1/20/04 at 7:44pm

I don't think Sengbloh wasn't a bad singer. Her scrunched face was a little bit bothersome at times, and she was a little bit over the top, but her singing was not all that horrific, I thought. I enjoyed her.

I didn't see the originals. I love all of their voices, but I've never seen them, so I have nothing to compare it too.

[Bway_Mill_Fan]

Posted: 1/20/04 at 8:40pm

did anyone see Chayenne Jackson as Radames this past week?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/20/04 at 8:57pm

wasn't he the understudy for Jimmy in TMM recently? Or am I confused?

[Bway_Mill_Fan]

Posted: 1/20/04 at 9:00pm

yes and graydon. but he's the Radames stand by now and he was supposed to be on all of last week?