AIDA
Broadway Sacramento, CA
This Time – and Place – Aida Shines
“What a difference a venue makes. When the Broadway Series first presented Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida in 2001 at the Community Center Theater, the bombastic production lacked personality while delving into emotionally fraught musical excesses.
“Director Gary John La Rosa puts the Wells Fargo Pavilion through some of its most creative and imaginative paces in his vigorous staging of this production. Though John and Rice's slim musical ideas grind to a halt in the play's second half, the compelling performances and ingenious staging almost won't let you notice.”
Marcus Crowder – Sacramento Bee
Aida will keep you spellbound
Music Circus production features excellent songs and a talented cast
“If you think you’ve seen all there is to see at Sacramento Music Circus, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you sit down to enjoy Aida produced by California Musical Theatre. Scored by Elton John and Tim Rice, this 110-minute gripping tale of forbidden love between a Nubian princess and her Egyptian captor will keep you spellbound.”
Saunthy Nicolson-Singh – Appeal-Democrat
“Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida premiered at Music Circus Tuesday July 18 at the Wells Fargo Pavilion…lose yourself; it is a masterpiece.”
“…I was mesmerized and breathless. I have seen a lot of theatre in my time and this was by far the best performance I have ever seen at Music Circus.”
“The scenery, costumes, choreography, and lighting were flawless and transitioned seamlessly. Gary John La Rosa (director of West Side Story and Footloose), Todd Underwood (choreographer) and David Andrews Rogers (musical director) have really outdone themselves (and everybody else in my opinion) and deserve immense recognition and appreciation.”
Jennifer Benton – Gold Country Times
Montclair State University, NJ
Aida Wows Montclair State...
“Aida was spectacular.”
“The only real problem was that the theater was not filled with more audience members, which this musical so rightfully deserved.”
“I had the pleasure of seeing Aida Sunday afternoon, and as someone who appreciates musicals as well as Broadway shows, I was blown away.”
“Anyone who is a fan of musicals, especially ones that are really well-made, should have capitalized on the opportunity to see this.”
“It is an excellent show that I am glad I got the chance to see.”
Diego Coya – The Montclarion
Filichia Features: Aida, Radames and Amneris
“As Gary John La Rosa’s excellent production of Aida at Montclair State University reiterated…”
“La Rosa showed that a unit set, a second level and a staircase worthy of Dolly Levi swings it.”
“La Rosa made Amneris’ handmaidens unique individuals with different reactions when Aida stood up to her: horrified, scared, impressed, confused – and not just waiting for their next cue. Ditto in “My Strongest Suit” when they were dressing Amneris: attentive, bored, jealous and contemptuous. Once they finished, Amneris had her dress – which lit up. How did they do that?”
“This is a smart way of lessening a sad ending, which will please your audience – especially the reincarnation buffs.”
Peter Filichia – Music Theatre International
© 2024 Gary John La Rosa