Wednesday, November 6, 2002
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Wednesday, November 6, 2002 |
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'Aida' returns to Atlanta as a success By MICHAEL
BOYLAN
In 1998, Atlanta got the first taste of the show that woul become the smash Broadway musical from Disney, "Aida." It was called "Elaborate Lives: the Legend of Aida" and was written by Elton John and Tim Rice, who teamed up to write the music for Disney's other huge Broadway hit, "The Lion King." Now, "Aida" returns to the city that nurtured it at the beginning for a three week run at the Fox Theatre. "Aida" is a love story about a Nubian princess stolen from her country (Aida), Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love. "Aida" won four Tony Awards in 2000 and has been thrilling audiences with its dazzling sets, intriguing story and beautiful musical numbers. Paulette Ivory has been playing the role of Aida for the national touring company for over 10 months now. Ivory, from England, is no stranger to the stage, especially Disney musicals. In London, Ivory starred in "The Lion King" and it was through that part that she was encouraged to audition for "Aida" Her audition was scheduled for Sept. 11 of last year but was postponed several days to the tragic events of that day. Ivory eventually got the part and has been touring the nation since. Ivory may appear familiar to audiences in Atlanta. She was in the film "Four Weddings and a funeral, as a singer at the second wedding and has also appeared on several BBC soap operas, including the popular "East Enders." Along with being on the big and small screen as well as some of the largest sages in the world, Ivory also recorded a song with a group called Think Twice that reached number one in Japan. Ivory sings 11 numbers in "Aida." "Which is 22 on a matinee day," Ivory explains. The songs vary in style from power ballad to gospel and the variation is one of the things that Ivory loves about her role and the show. "Aida" will play Nov. 6 -23, at the Fox Theatre. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There will additionally be two Thurday matinees on Nov. 7 as well as Nov. 21. Tickets can be purchased by calling TicketMaster at 404-817-8700, at the Fox Theatre box office, online at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com, and at all TicketMaster ticket centers, including Publix Supermarkets. For special group rates on 20 or more people, call 404- 881-2100. |
