MoorArts’ summer musical will take locals on a journey to ancient Egypt, where they will experience the struggle between love and war.
The 2016 MoorArts summer musical is Elton John and Tim Rice’s award-winning musical “Aida,” featuring music in a variety of styles from modern pop to African with a story that will make you laugh and also tug at the heart strings. “Aida” will be performed July 8, 9, 10, 13, 15 and 16 at the Moorestown High School for $12 to $15, benefitting the non-profit’s scholarships and grants.
“We have a great directing team with a wonderful, talented cast. The story … should be told and there are not many opportunities to see and hear ‘Aida.’ You will be supporting the fine and performing arts, knowing that our funds go back into grants and scholarships for our teachers and students. It will be a great evening of entertainment,” Andrea Seuren, Moorarts vice president, said.
“Everyone in the cast is super talented. The show is going to be great. The opportunity to see such a good production of this phenomenal show for pretty cheap isn’t something people should miss out on. I hope the community will take advantage of the art right by them,” said Jonah Levinson, who is playing Radames.
MoorArts is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the fine and performing arts in the Moorestown community and schools. It does a variety of education and events throughout the year. However, the musical usually only comes around once a year.
“MoorArts is a great institution that allows opportunities for every kind of artist, hosting a variety of events from art shows to musicals to galas. They provide the community with a chance for constant enrichment,” Alisha Kothari, who is playing Aida, said.
MoorArts has wanted to do “Aida” for awhile and this year, everything just seemed to fall into place, Seuren said. Rehearsals began the end of May, and Director John Smitherman has been directing the cast ever since. Smitherman has never seen another production of “Aida,” so he feels he will be bringing originality to the show.
Another original part for MoorArts’ “Aida” is students from Moorestown High School were given the opportunity to create avant garde costume designs for the “Runway Scene.” Seven designs were chosen and costumers are working with the designers to create the actual pieces that will be worn in the show. MoorArts makes it a point to provide learning and mentoring from every experience in unique ways.
“(It is) a collaboration between the performing arts and fine arts all to help tell the story of ‘Aida,’” Seuren said.
In the show, enslaved Nubian princess Aida finds her heart entangled with Radames, an Egyptian soldier who is betrothed to the Pharaoh’s daughter, Amneris. As their forbidden love blossoms, Aida is forced to weigh her heart against the responsibility she faces as leader of her people. Aida and Radames’ love for one another becomes a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity.
“It has been one of my absolute favorite musicals since I was little. It’s a timeless story with absolutely beautiful music. Though based in ancient Egypt, it still explores the complexities of lives aligning and misaligning,” Levinson said.
Those involved with “Aida” hope people come to enjoy and immerse themselves in the emotions and music of the show, and possibly walk away with a lesson or better understanding of the world. But mostly, they want people to come to experience the talented cast and live, local theater at its best.
“I think they should come out because I think theater is really important in (our) cultural lives. Everyone in the cast is so talented and it’s really awesome to see talented people perform. You get goosebumps from live performances that you wouldn’t get from a movie or listening on a soundtrack. I think it is a great experience for anyone,” Roxanne Paul, who is playing Amneris, said.
“Aida” will be performed July 8, 9, 13, 15 and 16 at 6 p.m. in the Moorestown High School Auditorium, 350 Bridgeboro Road. There is a special matinee on July 10 at 2 p.m. that has special needs and ASL accommodations. Tickets are $12 to $15, available online and at the door. Proceeds from this event will support MoorArts scholarships and teacher grants for arts-related projects in the public schools.
For more information about MoorArts and the musical, as well as to get tickets, visit www.moorarts.org.
