Growing up as a piano player in the 70’s and 80’s, my bread and butter during practice sessions was Billy Joel and Elton John. Playing songs like Pressure, Madman Across the Water, Angry Young Man and Crocodile Rock is how I passed much of my practice time. Aida has brought me back to those roots, as the music by Sir Elton John is very reminiscent of those early years of rock in his career. I have spent much more time at early rehearsals playing for the actors because the music feels like home to me.
Originally written by Guiseppe Verdi in the late nineteenth century, Aida the opera has been sung more than one thousand times. Riding on the success of “The Lion King”, Disney purchased the rights to the story in 1994 with the intent of partnering with Elton John for another animated movie. However, when Elton declined the opportunity to venture into animation again, Disney scrapped the project in favor of developing the story for Broadway. It opened in 2000 and ran for four years, earning 4 Tony awards including Best Original Score.
Aida has been a great challenge in all aspects. The flow of the show dictates a fluid set representing a variety of settings. The rock style score requires a certain vocal quality from the actors. The story has few moments of levity, as it is filled with drama and emotion. I am proud of the cast, crew, and all associated with the production for their dedication to this show and their desire to make it the best it can be. To my leads, understudies, and stage managers, thanks for making this journey enjoyable and I will cherish the time that we spent together. To our seniors, may you always remember you time in the program and that the Colonial Players will always be there for you in the future.
I would like to take a minute to say thanks to returning staff members Peter, Eric, Jen C., Val, Melissa, Rich, Barb, Maria, and Paul for all of their effort, creativity and tireless devotion to theater arts and the Colonial Players. I would also like to thank our new staff members Tracey Ambuka, Jim Muscarella & Jeremie Iannelli, as well as our returning choreographer, Jen Grasso, for their welcomed additions to our production. I am blessed to have this great group of people to work, be creative, and laugh with each day.
In addition, thanks to the PWHS and CSD administration for their continued support of the arts. Each year over 100 students have the opportunity to participate in theater arts. This commitment to the arts provides our students with an outlet to express themselves artistically through music, acting, song, dance, painting, and construction. The Colonial Players provides many of these students a safe place to be themselves and form friendships and memories that will last their lifetimes. This can be seen in the alumni that give back to the program as members of our staff (myself, Val Collado, Melissa Downer, Jeramie Iannelli) and in our pit (Josh Rosen, Ajibola Rivers, Nick Costa, Keith Wilson) and in the hundreds of others who come to support the shows each year.
Finally, thank you to my wife Carrie, and sons, Luke, Lance and Bryce for being so understanding and supportive as we go through this process each year. I love you all and will be home soon.
Enjoy the show.
M. Engel
