I think Aida is a great show, and could be a really excellent show given some of the revisions mentioned earlier. The entire book needs to go; it's completely amateurish. Much of the score is excellent, and allows for moving and powerful performances. Perhaps new orchestrations would make the score even more powerful, i.e. dropping some of the absurdly anachronistic instruments, etc. I would love to see a revival, but done on a smaller scale, as to really highlight the core three individuals.
I'll admit, I am a little biased, as Aida has a really special place in my heart. I played Radames a few years ago, and the entire experience was just such a blessing. I miss singing Elaborate Lives, it's a gem of 2000s musicals.
We found most of Act I cheesy fun, with Bob Crowley's gorgeous designs keeping us entertained if little did dramatically.
Act II was a bore but damned if we weren't bawling like babies by the end. Any show that can yank real tears out of us had to work on some level that counts.
This is one of my favorite musicals ever. It has a very special place in my heart. Hence my name
I'd LOVE a revival... or a well-done movie version.
"TO LOVE ANOTHER PERSON IS TO SEE THE FACE OF GOD"- LES MISERABLES---
"THERE'S A SPECIAL KIND OF PEOPLE KNOWN AS SHOW PEOPLE... WE'RE BORN EVERY NIGHT AT HALF HOUR CALL!"--- CURTAINS
I think that one of the show's musical flaws, however, is that it lacks a closing number of any real power, ending with a low-key "musical sequence" tying several reprises together.
While the original finale number, "The Messenger," dealt with the implied double-suicide ending at the heart of the original story, opera and early musical version, it was an epic-sized power ballad ending, and a very interesting song musically. It didn't fit the change in tone and the idea that love is more powerful than death- instead, it kind of suggested that death IS love, or that death GIVES us love.
It certainly isn't an inspired choice, but I don't see anything inherently wrong with Laura Osnes as Ameneris. There isn't too much to the character... Act sweet/spoiled, belt, feel betrayed, repeat.
"That someone seriously thought Laura Osnes would make a good Amneris."
Well, I think she would make a perfect Amneris. I would love to hear her version of "I know the truth", a song that requires a lyrical soprano voice in my opinion, especially in the first verses (I know the truth and it mocks me, I know the truth and it shocks me, it's flown, just a little too far....). Amneris needs to be very defined and beautiful, yet have a dangerous edge about her, but that edge lies in her beauty and intelligence.
Another good choice would be Sierra Boggess. Both of these ladies could do the part justice and give Amneris the feel the part needs.
I actually can't believe some people on here mention names such as Annaleigh Ashford or Sheridan Smith. Their voices are way too dry, and they do not look like the intelligent princess that Amneris should be.
Annaleigh Ashford would be excellent. She has played Glinda, which is a lyrical role. (I liked her Glinda actually.) She is capable of being intelligent in a role-it's called acting. (I think she's the best Maureen I've ever seen. She really made the role hers.)