Bailiwick Chicago Opens John/Rice's AIDA, 7/10

Bailiwick Chicago presents Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA. Preview performances began July 1, with opening night scheduled for July 10, at American Theater Company's space located at1909 W. Byron in Chicago.

"This promises to be the musical theater event of the summer," said Mayes, "and we are so excited to bring this amazing production to Chicago audiences. The cast, the music, the design, the direction, and the choreography will blow audiences away. With only a five-week run, I only wish we could run the show longer."

AIDA tells the story of a high-ranking Egyptian soldier, engaged to the Pharaoh's daughter and next in line for the throne, who falls in love with the Nubian slave Aida. When he discovers that she is the daughter of the King of Nubia, each is forced to choose between love for country and love for each other. With a driving pop-rock score by Elton John, the story challenges audiences to consider the question: What would you sacrifice for eternal love?

In its first Chicago production since the national tour, Bailiwick Chicago's newly envisioned production features stunning choreography by the modern dance company Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (www.deeplyrootedproductions.org), a six-piece band, and a cast of 20 talented actors, singers, and dancers.

AIDA is directed by Bailiwick Chicago Collective member Scott Ferguson, with co-musical direction by Jimmy Morehead and Collective member Robert Ollis. Original choreography was created by Kevin Iega Jeff (Artistic Director of the Chicago dance company, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater) and Gary Abbott (Associate Artistic Director, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater).

The incredibly talented and diverse cast stars Rashada Dawan as Aida, BranDon Chandler as Radames, Adrianna Parson as Amneris, Aaron Holland as Mereb, Bob Pries as Zoser, Daisica L. Smith as Nehebka, Randolph Johnson as Amonasro, and Damien K. Crim as the Pharaoh. The ensemble includes Adriene Patrice Barber, William Barney, Pierre Clark, Desla Epison, Desmond Gray, Daryn Harrell, Varris Homes, Andriana Pachella, Chip Payos, Tommy Rivera, Karla Victum, and Kylah Williams.

The design team includes John Holt (scenic design), Jared B. Moore (lighting design), Ricky Lurie (costume design), Lee Strausberg (prop design), Sarah N. Ramos (sound design), and Frank Mares (projection design). Lee Strausberg stage manages, Brian LaDuca production manages, Michael Dunbar is the technical director, and Iman Crutcher assistant directs.

Preview performances are scheduled for Thursday July 1 at 8pm, Friday July 2 at 8pm, Saturday July 3 at 3:00pm and 8:00pm, Wednesday July 7 at 8pm, Thursday July 8 at 8pm, Friday July 9 at 8pm, and Saturday July 10 at 3pm. Opening night is scheduled for Saturday July 10 at 8pm. Regular performances begin Sunday July 11 at 3:00pm, and continue thru August 1 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Saturday and Sundays at 3:00pm. Tickets can be purchased online by going to the Bailiwick Chicago web site (www.bailiwickchicago.com) or by calling 866-811-4111. Ticket prices are $25-$35 a ticket, and vary based on the date and time of the show. Further details about the production, including photos and videos of the cast and design team, are available on the company's website, www.bailiwickchicago.com.

Bailiwick Chicago was formed by a group of dedicated actors, directors, and production professionals when Bailiwick Repertory Theater closed its doors in September 2009. This group, called the "Collective," is responsible for developing, implementing, and upholding the artistic mission and vision of the company. Bailiwick Chicago's mission is to tell stories that stimulate our audience and celebrate our diverse community, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and others.