In March 2011 I lamented to readers that I had never experienced a stage production of “Aida.”
The Broadway treatment bills it as “the Tony Award-winning international hit musical,” which was first brought to life right here in Chicago in 1999 by the Goodman Theatre’s Robert Falls, originally marketed and backed with bucks by Disney paired with the team of Elton John and Tim Rice, who conceived the musical, songs and story.
After its New York run, Broadway’s “Aida” went on national tour and returned to Chicago for a three-week run in August 2002.
A stirring tale of conflicted loyalties, a lovers’ triangle and nations at war, “Aida” originated as Giuseppe Verdi’s 19th century Italian opera with the same name.
Until last weekend, the only version I had ever seen in the past was the spring 2011 Broadway musical production at Drury Lane Oak Brook.
Now until April 7, Lyric Chicago Music Director Enrique Mazzola is adding the 100th title to his operatic repertoire with this month’s first performances of “Aida” featuring a cast of 200 talents and dance sequences by renowned choreographer Jessica Lang for this masterpiece by director Francesca Zambello for the new-to-Chicago production.
The title character of Aida, a young enslaved woman, is captured beautifully by Michelle Bradley opposite the robust tones of Russell Thomas as her lover Radames, the military hero who has conquered the people of Aida’s nation. Aida is also a princess and the daughter of their sworn enemy, Amanasro. Further complicating lives is the occupying king’s daughter Amneris, played by powerhouse Jamie Barton, who has targeted the affections of Radamès for herself.
Famous arias flow throughout the three-hour performance including “Celeste Aida,” “Ritorna vincitor,” and “O patria mia,” along with intimate duets, extended dance sequences and the grand triumphal scene showcasing the 200 artists on stage and in the orchestra pit.
Reginald Smith Jr. sings the role of Aida’s father, Amanasro. Önay Köse, a former ensemble member of Berlin’s famed Komische Oper, makes his Lyric debut as Ramfis, the high priest who advises Radamès.
Performed in Italian, with easy-to-follow English translations projected above the stage, this production is colorful and striking The original concept design for the set is by artistic designer RETNA, a celebrated street artist based in Los Angeles. The stage landscape borders on distraction with his signature use of calligraphy, hieroglyphics and bold colors attempting to imply “a mythic past with a contemporary edge.”
RETNA’s mural work can be seen locally in Chicago on the south wall of 33 East Congress, part of the Wabash Arts Corridor, and his diverse commercial projects include the cover of Justin Bieber’s Purpose album and collaborations with Nike and Louis Vuitton.
Audiences can arrive one hour before each performance for a pre-opera talk on the composition history and social context of Aida. Lyric offers tickets for accompanied school-age children up to age 17, priced from $20–50 for all opera performances. Regular tickets start at $59 at lyricopera.org/aida or 312-827-5600.
Art opportunity
Artists’ Guild of Valparaiso is a new nonprofit art gallery and exhibition space located at 257 Indiana Ave. in Valparaiso with the mission statement: “To build a collection of artists who support each other to nurture visual artists, promote their work, and to expose them to the public, collectors, media, and cultural institutions.”
Peter Steeves, a self-taught artist with a career that has spanned more than years exhibiting throughout the Chicagoland area, serves as president and his wife Michelle Steeves is treasurer with Indiana 105 radio personality and arts advocate Steve Zana as vice president, and his wife Colleen Zana as secretary.
With free admission, the organization’s first opening reception is this weekend, at 7 p.m. Saturday, in the new gallery, showcasing the work of more than 25 artists. The reception is open to the public with light refreshments served and features an artist meet and greet.
I’ve happily accepted the honor of being asked to serve as the first judge for this inaugural exhibit. For more information visit www.agofvalpo.com.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. He can be reached at pmpotempa@comhs.org.