VERO BEACH — The concept is a contemporary perspective on an ancient forbidden love that transcends all time. Indian River Charter High School’s Musical Theatre Program will perform the Broadway version of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida at Charter’s new outdoor venue, The Charter Dome, in Vero Beach. This will be a collaboration of departments including dance, orchestra, jazz, choral, and visual arts.
“This is the story of a love that flourished in a time of hate, of lovers no tyranny could separate” are the opening words from Elton John and Tim’s Rice powerful production of Aida.
Indian River Charter High School and the Schumann School for the Visual and Performing Arts will open AIDA in the school’s new outdoor venue on Nov. 14-16, 21, and 22 at 7 p.m.
Indian River Charter High School’s unique musical theatre program, the only of its type in the area, pulls all visual and performing art departments (VAPA) to bring the community a dynamic showcase of talents.
Attendees will have the pleasure of experiencing a contemporary rock orchestra combining guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, brass, and strings with the instrumental direction of Mr. David Mundy.
Artistic and Assistant School Director Dr. Ray Adams will be in command, implanted into front, center stage of a multi-tiered pyramid, playing keyboard, synthesizing multiple instruments, and conducting. His musical players will be present to his left and right, slotted into the stage with audience on all three sides.
With the guidance of theatre director Mr. Michael Naffziger, the stage craft class and the visual arts department have created an ambiance of ancient Egypt that hints to a modern time period.
All custom costumes conceptualized and created by Wendy Gonzales have a sleek, modern style with ancient Egyptian accent lending to the experience. A combination of modern and ballet dance choreographed by teachers Hedi Khursandi and Cherith Bounds will flow throughout the stage and audience.
Under the vocal direction of choral program director Gary Miller, attendees will have the pleasure of hearing the incredible vocal range of lead Anna Kenney playing Aida the Nubian princess who is taken down the Nile River into slavery during Egypt’s conquest.
Senior Devon Rymer will play Radames, the captain of the Egyptian army who can’t help but notice Aida’s strength and conviction. This is Rymer’s debut theatrical performance with the company and principal part.
As Aida and Radames’ relationship develops, he begins to push his betrothed wife, and daughter of the Pharaoh Amneris, played by senior Kaitlin Ruby, further away.
This is the lighter side of Kaitlin Ruby, who at the 2012-2013 Florida State Thespian Festival, earned the Mainstage Actor Award for her performance of Lizzie Borden in the psychological murder mystery Blood Relations.
Meanwhile the Pharaoh, played by senior Peter Newman, is secretly being poisoned by Radames’ father Zoser, played by senior Jacob Lucas. Lucas recently made the transition from the jazz department into the theatre program for his first principal performance.
The story climaxes when Aida and Radames are forced to decide between their nations or their love.
This is not a production to miss.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.IRCHS.org under the “events” tab or by visiting the website www.Showclix.com/events/IRCHS.
Tickets are $20 general admission and $10 student admission.