AIDA' makes Eisenhower Hall Theatre debut
Limited engagement; tickets on sale now West Point “AIDA’ is not opera. It’s truly a pop musical with spoken dialogue and all kinds of recognizable song types: urban-based rhythm and blues, gospel inspired songs, ballads and, of course, Crocodile Rock songs.” - Elton John The newly conceived North American touring production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s “AIDA,” the award-winning love story, will make its West Point premiere when it arrives at the Eisenhower Hall Theatre Feb. 10 and 11 for two performances, only. Based on the story from the classic Verdi opera, “AIDA” is a new musical with John’s modern pop score. Winner of four Tony Awards in 2000, “AIDA” is a musical bursting with contemporary energy, chronicling the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country; Amneris, an Egyptian princess; and Radames, the soldier they both love. An epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal with an exhilarating score by John and Rice, “AIDA” is their first collaboration since writing the music for the worldwide phenomenon, “The Lion King.” “AIDA” features music by John, lyrics by Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls and David Henry Hwang. “AIDA” was originally directed by Falls and produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Big League Theatricals, Inc., who recently produced the acclaimed North American tour of “Miss Saigon,” has conceived and developed this new touring production. Staging is by T.J. Young and Choreography is by Sarita Allen. Design team for the new production includes Neil Patel (Scenery), Emilio Sosa (Costumes) and Charlie Morrison (Lighting). The score for “AIDA” was hailed by Time Magazine as “filled with luscious melodies and soulful lyrics.” The Original Broadway Cast Album is available from Disney Records. The Concept Album, featuring a host of music superstars from Tina Turner and Elton John to Boyz II Men and Lenny Kravitz, was released on Island Records. The original production had its world premiere at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia in 1998. A new, revised production opened on December of 1999 at the Cadillac Palace in Chicago. The Broadway production, opened at the Palace Theatre in March of 2000 and ran a total of 1,852 performances, making it one of the longest running shows in Broadway history, generating a successful national tour and several international productions. Big League Theatricals, Inc., by special permission from Disney Theatrical Productions, acquired the rights to create this fresh, new touring production of John and Rice’s “AIDA.” “AIDA” will play West Point’s Eisenhower Hall Theatre Saturday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets for “AIDA” range in price from $38 to $40 and are available now at the Box Office, online at www.ikehall.com or via Telecharge at 1-800-233-3123.