April 21, 2009 – Students from St. Croix Country Day Upper School will perform the musical “Aida” for two weekends – Fridays and Saturdays, April 24 and 25, and May 1 and 2, with an additional matinee on Sunday, April 26. Performances will begin at 7 p.m. each evening and at 4 p.m. on Sunday in the Country Day School Pavilion. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
This Tony Award winning musical recreates a magical, timeless love story as two strangers who meet at a museum exhibit are swept into the past to mystical ancient Egypt. It is a story of star-crossed love set against a backdrop of war, intrigue, loyalty and betrayal.
The storyline and title are taken from the Verdi opera, but the music – written by Elton John with lyrics by Tim Rice – is contemporary. It is a pop musical with urban-based rhythm and blues songs, gospel-inspired songs, lyrical love ballads and, of course, rock and roll.
Radames, an Egyptian captain waging war against Nubia, captures and enslaves Aida, princess of Nubia. Though engaged to the Pharaoh’s daughter, Radames falls in love with Aida, and for that they must pay the ultimate price.
Broadway’s own Timothy Graphenreed has agreed to return to St. Croix to work with Country Day students. Graphenreed, who composed the dance music for “The Wiz,” is a well-known and respected musical director, songwriter and choreographer. He has worked on numerous productions both on and off Broadway.
“We are fortunate to once again have Mr. Graphenreed working with our students. It provides them with a rare opportunity to work with a true Broadway professional,” said Cecile Roth, upper school dean. “It is amazing how he is able to raise each student’s level of performance to outstanding new heights.”
