"AIDA" to take stage

"Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA", the 2011 summer musical at the Mielke Arts Center, will open for nine performances July 14-16 and 20-23 at 7 p.m.; Sundays July 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. only. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for 18 and under. It is recommended that students be at least 12 yrs old. The Box in the Wood Theatre Guild has the distinction of being the second community theatre group in the state of Wisconsin to put on this production.

"Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA" is a contemporary musical, relating the tale of forbidden love between an enslaved Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier. The pop-rock score features dancing and singing numbers, with known songs such as "Dance of the Robe", "Written in the Stars", and "The Gods Love Nubia". This popular musical received three Tony awards during its four year run on Broadway, premiering in 2000.

The cast features over 20 local musicians and actors. Principal characters are: Ellen Kann (Aida), Andrew Ott (Radames), Olivia Jeske (Amneris), Tom Webster (Zoser), Karl Laude (Mereb), Maribeth Weidner (Nehebka) and Tony Klose (Pharoah). There are fourteen supporting cast and chorus members to round out the production.

The musical is under the direction of Bowler native Dan Terrio, who last directed "Footloose" in 2008 at the Mielke. Music direction is provided by Kari Devine of Appleton. Devine has a lengthy theatrical resume. Devine was the first director of "Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA" for a community theatre troupe, in De Pere. Terrio and Devine are supported by a 13 member Production Team.

Tickets for general seating may be reserved on the ticket line 715-526-2525. Tickets will be held at the box office for payment. Online reservations using credit card payment in advance is now offered at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/182275. More information is available at www.shawanoarts.com.