Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 West Randolph
Tickets: (312) 902-1500 or www.ticketmaster.com
Through January 9
Elton John has established himself in the music world with his 29 consecutive Top 40 hits and the film world with Disney's "The Lion King" (his influence in the Broadway version less so than the film). Now, he has ventured more fully into the theatre world with his music for Disney's newest Broadway bound musical, Aida, which opened last night at the beautifully restored Cadillac Palace Theatre. If you're a sucker for spectacle and shows that are just plain entertaining, It's hard to find many things wrong with this production of Aida.
The question of whether or not you will enjoy Aida has more to do with your reasons for wanting to see the show. If you are a fan of Elton John's music, you will get to hear him stretch his talents across several different musical styles. If you love incredible sets and costumes, you will not be disappointed in the least. If you just get a thrill hearing well trained pop voices belt out good music, you will be pleased. If you are a fan of Verdi's Aida, and you are going to the theatre to see a shorter version of his opera, you will be disappointed. The reason I say that is that I believe I had an opera critic sitting two seats away from me last night.
I say it's hard to find many things wrong with Aida, but I can think of one. The lyrics. Written by Broadway veteran Tim Rice, these lyrics betray the beauty of Elton John's music. If Sir Elton had written the lyrics to his own music, it might have saved many of the songs. Call me a purist, but when I sit in the theatre listening to a beautiful love ballad sung by two good singers, I shouldn't be thinking "oh, God, what a terrible rhyme." I've never been a fan of Mr. Rice's work in the past (the only work of his that I admire are his lyrics for Chess and Jesus Christ Superstar). Perhaps I criticize him because I'm such a fan of Stephen Sondheim and Maury Yeston, in my opinion, the two best lyricists in the theatre today. Mr. Rice's propensity to find the easy rhyme is bothersome.
Aida tells the story of a Nubian princess (Heather Headley) captured by Radames (Adam Pascal), an Egyptian general who is in line to be the next Pharaoh once he marries Princess Amneris (Sherri Rene Scott). What Radames does not count on is falling in love with Aida. Meanwhile, Radames' father Zoser (John Hickock) is plotting to poison the Pharaoh to hasten his son's ascension to the throne. The plot of Aida is one of those timeless tragic romances, a story that never seems to fail. The book for the musical, written by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls and David Henry Hwang, is very good, and does more than just tie the songs together. Elton John's music is very universal in its appeal. He is able to borrow from different musical styles while still putting his personal stamp on it. It's quite an achievement.
The technical aspects of this show are impressive. Scenic and Costume designer Bob Crowley has managed to design large, functional and impressive set pieces and colorful, beautiful costumes. Especially remarkable are the puzzle-piece docks, the moving ramp, and the amazingly colorful and large costumes for the song "My Strongest Suit." The lighting design, by Natasha Katz, is complex and lights the enormous sets beautifully. One of the most technologically impressive lighting designs I have seen.
Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Robert Falls, not normally known for directing musicals, stages the action very effectively, especially the very beginning and the very end of the show. The best part of Mr. Falls' work in this show is he knows when to step aside and let Wayne Cilento's choreography do it's work. Mr. Cilento is able to work in several different styles of dance with great precision. The cast, overall, is consistently good, particularly vocally. Adam Pascal and Heather Headley are very effective in their roles. Their voices blend well together and they make us believe the love story. Ms. Headley's diction, however, is sometimes a problem. Damian Perkins is especially good as Radames' servant Mereb, and Sherie Rene Scott, as Amneris, perfectly acts the part of the spoiled Princess who learns the hard way that looks are not everything. Ms. Scott vocally steals the show from everyone. She is the first and the last voice you hear, and you could listen to her sing all night.
Aida is high on spectacle, and highly entertaining. If you enjoy that when you go to the theatre, this is the show for you.
