Elton John's ˜Aida will be performed at the Pennsylvania Playhouse in July.
œElton John, for me, is the greatest living pianist and contemporary composer" says Laurie Zane, director of this production.
"I run a children's theatre troupe in New Jersey, and we have already presented this show twice and are scheduling it for our 2015 lineup. I have always loved the powerful music, dramatic staging, and emotional story.
œWe have replicated most of the costumes in the Broadway production, and I have 'taught' ancient Egyptian history to the cast for more authenticity. Egypt was a mighty power at the time of this story, with explorations ranging as far as ancent Greece and even China."
The story line of Johns ˜Aida is based loosely on Giuseppe Verdi's opera of the same name. Verdi reportedly based his opera on the early explorations into Egypt by Europeans and a news item that told of archeologists locating a shallow tomb with two skeletons entwined. Verdi took that and turned it into a Romeo-and-Juliet story for his opera.
John and lyricist Tim Rice elaborated on the theme even more broadly.
˜Aida ˜ runs at the Playhouse, Illicks Mill Road, Bethlehem, PA July 26,27, and August 2,3,4,8,9,10, & 11 at 8:00PM on Thursday, Friday, & Saturday and 6:00 PM on Sunday.
Tickets are $22, $19 for students and seniors (except on Saturday) and can be purchased on the website- www.paplayhouse.org or by calling 610-865-6665.