Thoughts on "Aida" at Westchester Dinner Theatre

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 4:57am

Okay, now I am rested and ready to expand

Book--Similarity to Broadway Production:

Overall, the book was essentially kept intact. There were 3 minor differences in lines I found, which I explain in my next post down.

Obviously, the major difference was the opening and closing of the show. For those unaware, instead of Aida and Radames meeting each other as the same age in the present, they meet as kids. They each are visiting a museum with their families and are drawn to the tomb. Then the doors open and Amneris comes out and the show begins. At the end, we are back in the museum, and as each family is about to leave, the kids make them stay. They go towards the tomb kneeling down, somehow drawn to it, and then they are hit with glitter, essentially finalizing the rebirth of Aida and Radames.

I did like the original method, but I really liked how it was done here too. Now, it is important to keep in mind that I adore kids and am a sucker for cute youngens. The two kids look remarkably like their adult counterparts, especially Aida. And well others expressed a distaste because there's no certainty that they will find each once again after this meeting with the tomb, but that's now how I took it. They handled it very well, and with the glitter, I kind of took it to mean that their two souls have met here and know they must find each other later in life. It seems to keep up with the magic and meaning of the show. But again, I don't know how influenced I am in my love for children.

Actors:

Eric Sciotto as Radames was simply wonderful. He had a fantastic voice, combining two different styles to fit the singing quite well. When really called for, he sang in rock-style--for most of "Father Like Son" and parts of "Fortune Favors the Brave" for instance, and little bits where it fits well. He also applied more of a typical Broadway, pretty-sound that helped to make "Elaborate Lives" soar beautifully, and again in other appropriate songs. Moreover, I was really impressed with his acting in the role. I don't think Radames is the best-written character in the show, but this Eric was able to portray the change in the character--both extremes and the gradualness of it. His falling in love with Aida was quite believable without compromising the character in the beginning. You could see how different he was in the beginning, and his attraction to Aida was expressed in a rougher, sexual way, which makes it work much better than immediately seeming sympathetic. He also just put a lot of emotion and passion into the character. He really got mad at Zoser, and you could see his new self coming through completely. Oh, and one part that stuck with me was when he received the news of the Nubian King being captured. In his face and method of delivery, the character's inner debate is easily seen and understood by the audience. Finally, as a plus, he was quite attractive (my mom thought moreso than Adam...).

Roz Morehead-Santos as Aida was also great. She had an amazing voice, and her finest moments occured in "The Gods Love Nubia," where she applied more of an effective gospel-type singing to the song, and in "Easy As Life." Her acting was best during the times Aida had to be aggressive, particularly with Radames.--particularly when she got to show off her fantastic singing voice and in the character's very aggressive moments, particularly with Radames.

Realizing what great voices they each have, I was really excited for their harmony in "Elaborate Lives." The first time, they weren't off by much at all, but enough that they were trying to find their perfect harmony, found a couple of notes in. Fortunately, the harmony in "Elaborate Lives Reprise" was spot-on and eargasmic.

Stephanie Youell as Amneris did a great job of portraying her character's extremes--from fashion queen in "Strongest Suit" to her sadness in "I Know The Truth", and she really did a great job conveying the importance of her taking initiative as Pharoah of Egypt. Furthermore, her harmonies with Eric and Roz were perfect and gorgeous, particularly in "A Step Too Far," and "Not Me."

Eric Jackson as Mereb made the most of his small part. He too had a gorgeous voice and meshed well in "Not Me," and he really got to me as he repeated that he wants to go home. For some reason, that moment does not usually move me so much, but it did here.

John Schiappa was perfectly fine as Zoser. His voice excelled in the lower ranges, and his range there sounded more powerful than his upper range. He still founded fine in his songs though, and gave a good "rock-ish" sound to "Like Father, Like Son."

For the most part, the chorus/ensemble was excellent. Their strongest moments were singing all together in "Dance Of The Robe," and "The Gods Love Nubia." The men were fine in their songs, though the sound of the women in "My Strongest Suit" lacked a bit. I took that as a result of the fact that they obviously couldn't have a huge ensemble, and it didn't make that big of a deal.

Considering the venue, the sets were fantastic. They had a surrounding sense of Egyptian pyramids, and proper changes were made for the different locations in the show. They did a great job with the ship in the water, providing smoke and water on a screen as the boat turned, making it seem quite realistic. Ascending and descending from the stage, the screen, smoke, lights that fell down from the ceiling, and different aspects of lights and scenery they could use all combined to provide a beautiful, appropriate backdrop for the show. The one understandable prop that was underdesigned was the tomb, which just composed of three sticks put up in the shape of a tent.

As stated, the costumes were gorgeous, particularly those of Amneris--the hats and different fashions were as original as those on Broadway. All of the costumes were not exactly like, but similar to their Broadway counterparts. A major plus was that Radames' shirt was open for practically the whole play

Finally, obviously the direction had to reflect the stage's capablities, and it did a great job of that. They through in several moments of playing to audience members sitting on the side, and no one had to constantly look at backs. The choreography was stronger at some times than others, it would have been nice to see a little more in the middle section of "Dance Of The Robe," my personal favorite song/sequence.

So all in all...of course it's not perfect, but still very well done and quite enjoyable. I very much believe that any fans of the show/Broadway production will have a wonderful time at this production, and I highly recommend it to all of them.

Oh, and the eggplant parmesan was delicious

(Kinda long. Sorry, about that, but since people were iffy about this, I wanted to provide as much detail as possible)

Updated On: 2/18/06 at 04:57 AM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 10:32am

OMG. 5 in the morning? I hope you DID go to sleep.

Um. Well, I'm glad you liked it. Did you really catch line changes? Not that I'm surprised lines changed, but if you only saw the show like once, i'm surprised you caught them! (If lines changed, the book is not perfectly intact, silly.)

You didn't need to start your own thread, but thanks.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 2:56pm

Yeah, I went to bed right after. Oops. Sorry about the new thread. I remember debating earlier in the night whether or not to start a new thread, but I think I was too tired to even debate it at the point I started it, so sorry.

True, I only saw the Broadway show once. However, my high school did the show last year with the exact Broadway script (and some of the same costumes--it was really cool). I helped out with some of the tech rehearsals, where I stayed on book, and went to all of the performances. So while I couldn't recite the whole script for you off the top of my head, while I was there, I was able to notice the differences.

And okay a tad of a spoil, but these are the changes I noticed to prove that I pretty much can say the book did not change:*

*I realize it could be that these lines were said perhaps quietly so I couldn't hear them. I know I at least didn't hear them, and I was listening for them. It also could have just been something skipped over in a live performance.

1. Instead of saying "I'll never take you sailing," Radames said "This is meaningless." Or he always said that, but never got to the "I'll never take you..." part.
2. When Amneris told Aida to go talk to Radames for her, she added a line about him heading toward the palace.
3. This one bothered me a bit--after Aida said that she loves him, Radames ran over to say "Say it again." He was supposed to add in an "I command it" before his soldier interrupted them, but he never did. That could have been because the time the solider interrupted him, but I was excited for that part.

So okay the book is not exactly the same, but considering those are the only differences I noticed, I think it's okay to say it essentially is no different :-P

I really need to get a better sleep schedule. Okay, catching up on the rest of the posts, and then I will expand the initial post

Updated On: 2/18/06 at 02:56 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 3:06pm

HE NEVER SAYS "I'LL NEVER TAKE YOU SAILING?"?!?!?!?

That means no sailing hands!!! Aw, I'm disappointed. That's such a random cut!

I love the "Say it again. I command you!" line. Those are so weird. I mean, not like they make a difference, but I wonder why little nuances like that are gone.

Maybe I'll just insert them in my head. I know almost the entire book by heart.

Updated On: 2/18/06 at 03:06 PM

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 3:09pm

No darling. He says I'll take you sailing (south...). He does not say "I'll NEVER take you sailing" before his whole speech about never leaving Egypt again :-P

I didn't mind that cut as much as I did the command it part. Again, it very well could be that those lines vary with the timing of the interruption. Still, it was so cute.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 3:19pm

Right, that was a typo.

"If I could leave this place, then I'd go sailing, to corners of my land where there would be sweet Southern winds of liberty prevailing.... " blah blah blah
"I will take you sailing. South. You can be my guide. There'll be no ties of time and space...."

At the BEGINNING of the song.

Is the entire speech gone, or he just says "this is meaningless -- [cut] -- I'm never going to leave Egypt again"?

[BSoBW3]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 3:21pm

There IS an entire version of the script online if you wanted a point of reference...

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 4:10pm

He says this is meaningless, I'm never going to leave Egypt again.

I knew it was a typo, I was just teasing

Okay, full, quite long review now up.

Updated On: 2/18/06 at 04:10 PM

[TennesseeTwang]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 4:12pm

It's ironic that Eric Sciotto is getting great reviews for his role as Radames in this Aida engagement because the critic who reviewed the show when he filled in as Radames on Broadway, panned his performance. They said he performed the role with all the enthusiasm of a kid who got socks and underwear for Christmas. They also maintained that he looked all the worse because he was playing against Heather Headley.

Either that critic was far too harsh or Sciotto's greatly improved. I suspect the former is the case because he's received great reviews in several shows since then. I can't believe that he all of a sudden got good.
Updated On: 2/18/06 at 04:12 PM

[BSoBW3]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 4:16pm

http://www.broadwaytheatre.com/

PICTURES: http://www.broadwaytheatre.com/photo_pgs/Aida.htm

Updated On: 2/18/06 at 04:16 PM

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 4:19pm

Twang, do you remember who the critic was?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 4:34pm

Well, it's been years since he's played the part. Interesting, though.

[TennesseeTwang]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 4:42pm

I don't remember who the critic was, but I don't think it was in a major publication. I'll try to find it.

[RonRogell13]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 7:22pm

hey everyone! okay...first, it was very nice meeting you, amanda! second, thanks for the wonderful review...now to contradict you...
NONE of those lines you mentioned were cut...maybe you didn't hear them. I see the show 8 times a week and one of the lines i listen for is "I command you to say it again" because i have to get ready for my next cue. and the others you mentioned...maybe you heard them wrong or something...but our script is exact and nothing was cut or added. but again, if that was your only commplaint, i'll take it! ha ha ha! and i'm glad you liked the kids! it IS different but i believe it works. thanks again for the review!

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 7:29pm

Hmm, maybe the command line was uttered very quietly because I was definitely waiting for it, and I never heard it. Same with the first line I mentioned. Maybe it was skipped over last night or...I don't know why I didn't hear that first one.

It's not really complaints from me; just quite a few people were concerned with the differences from the Broadway production so I was going into details. Like I said it wasn't absolutely perfect, but was overall very enjoyable.

ETA: I edited a bit to say that it's possible a line was accidentally skipped or uttered quietly or perhaps with their backs turned to me, but I know I didn't hear them.

Updated On: 2/18/06 at 07:29 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 7:53pm

*sigh of relief*

[RonRogell13]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 8:02pm

now that i think about it, i believe the soldier came in and said his line OVER that one...not sure...i hear because i am always listening for that one.

:)

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 8:19pm

That would make sense. As I said originally, it could have been that he was interrupted before he could get to that line.

[RonRogell13]

Posted: 2/18/06 at 8:37pm

yea...damn that soldier!!!! ha ha ha!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/19/06 at 12:02am

Damned he be for getting me all upset, heh.

[OasisBroadway]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 10:08am

I saw this yesterday and was beginning to think I was crazy as I did not think any of those lines you mentioned were cut. I very specifically remember my chuckle at "I command it" so I knew that was definitely in there.

First, I have seen Aida on Broadway 4 times and 1 time on tour. I love this show quite a bit. I can’t imagine how many times I have listened to the OBC. I had some reservations, but was excited to see this. I was glad to take my boyfriend to finally see it because he has heard me rave about this show so many times. Overall, he felt the show was “good” and I can tell that he understood why I have such a strong connection to it. So I was definitely pleased with that.

The one thing I can say about this production is that it is good enough. It stayed very faithful to the Broadway production (costumes, set, etc.). I was not overly thrilled with the kids in the opening and closing. It wasn't bad per se, but I much prefer the way it was done on Broadway. I feel doing it this way is just to get people to look and think "Aww, how cute." They indeed are cute! I think it is great to have kids involved in shows like this, so in that way it is great. But as far as it goes in the show, it just didn’t do it for me. For me, something about the way Aida’s and Radames’ eyes meet each other and there is that instant connection after have walked around the museum and almost bumped into each other a few times works much better. The young Aida and Radames sort of just stand there and look at the tomb for a bit and then gradually walk closer to it and then glitter falls down on them (the moment of that same connection). These are two kids visiting with their families. Are we to believe that there is a good chance that they will see each other again? Are they going to be able to explain to their parents why they have a strong connection to this other child that they just met?

Rozz Morehead-Santos – She was good as Aida. She is certainly not Heather Headley, or Simone, or Maya Days. Her voice is very good, though it definitely lacks some power that I feel is necessary for the role. She cut a few of the big belting notes short, particularly in the Act I finale “The God’s Love Nubia” and “Easy as Life.” I was very disappointed in this as these are Aida’s strongest songs. Her acting was very on point. This was the first time I saw the show that I was moved to tears during “The God’s Love Nubia.” She very perfectly reassures her people and steadily gains confidence throughout the song. I do like the gospel flair she added during this song as well.

Eric Sciotto – I kept going back and forth with him. Initially I didn’t like his acting at all, but he gradually grew on me. I suppose in the end I feel he pulled off the role very well. Radames isn’t exactly the easiest role to play. His voice was good. His and Aida’s “Elaborate Live” was definitely one of the best in terms of acting I have ever seen. It was clear, that they just couldn’t fight it anymore.

Stephanie Youell – She is simply not effective in this role. This character has a difficult task and as far as I am concerned, you need an AMAZING actress to pull it off effectively. In Act I, she was trying way too hard with her comedy and it was obvious. Her voice is not bad, but something about it just grated on me. I just didn’t feel for her during “I Know the Truth” like I have other times in the past, or even when I listen to the CD. I left the show and immediately put that song on in my car so that I felt the proper emotion once again. I did not for one second believe that this Amneris would stand up and demand to deliver the setence to Aida and Radames. I don’t want to give the impression that in any way she destroys the character, but she is most definitely the weakest link among the three.

Eric Jackson – He does a fair job with Mereb. His acting is OK. His voice is very good.

John Schiappa – He may be the best Zoser I have ever seen. He did a spectacular job. Ever word he spoke, note he sung, and step he made were perfect.

Carla Woods as Nehebka was also quite stunning in her small role. I would LOVE to see her take on Aida.

The staging was very effective considering such a relatively small venue. The quality of the sets are wonderful. The costumes are also quite effective and elaborate. There is just one of Amneris’ outfits that continues to bother me.

Overall, if you have never seen Aida, I definitely recommend you check this out. It is an effective representation of what the Broadway production was, but in many ways it is not as good. But, this is not Broadway, so I guess it shouldn’t be. Without having seen any other non-Broadway production of Aida, I do believe that this theater probably pulled it off better than most.

Ron, thanks for all your posts. After all, you were a big factor in convincing me to go. Sorry that my review is not as glowing as wickedrentq’s.

PS The food was very good. I highly recommend the Chicken Saltimbocca.





Updated On: 2/20/06 at 10:08 AM

[RonRogell13]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 1:30pm

and thank you for coming!!! i wish you would have let me know so i could have come say hi like i did to wickedrentq!!!

i'm glad you did enjoy our production, and your review was very good. we can't be upset with reviews as they are peoples opinions and everyone on here sems to have a very strong connection to this show in one way or another.

i am happy that you came and, yes, the saltimbocca is very good but my favorite is the marsala!!! and the shrimp coctail is out of this world...the shrimp are HUGE!!!!

if you ever come back for a future show, please let me know in advance and i'll come say hi!

that goes for anyone on here! if you plan on coming, let me know in a private message!

see ya there!!!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 1:52pm

Thanks, Oasis. That helps a lot! I saw it five times on Broadway -- three times with the final cast, once with the original cast (minus Heather, sadly) and once somewhere in between. I love it a lot, and I'm fiercely attached to the show as I know it.

Elaborate Lives can be one of my favorite theatrical numbers EVER if it's good enough, so I'm really glad they seem to have nailed that.

And, for obvious reasons, I'm super-picky about Radames, so I'll probably go in with "meh" expectations.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 1:52pm

Ack, sorry. Double post.

Updated On: 2/20/06 at 01:52 PM

[OasisBroadway]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 2:01pm

Given that you are such a huge fan of Adam, I think you will be pleased with Eric Sciotto's performance. Now keep in mind that my point of view is probably a little different than yours. I can deal with a "just OK" Radames, but I have a much more difficult time dealing with a "just OK" Aida or Amneris. I have a feeling that you analyze Radames much more than I do. Actually, I will be very interested to hear what you think.