AIDA Opens Today At Music Mountain Theatre

Aida, Disney's smash hit musical by Elton John and Tim Rice, opens Friday at Music Mountain Theatre.

Winner of four Tony Awards in 2000, Aida is an epic tale of love, loyalty, and betrayal, chronicling the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love. 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.

Aida stars Siiyara Nelson (Mayzie La Bird, MMT's Seussical) as Aida, Karl Weigand (Jud Fry, MMT's Oklahoma) as Radames, and Jennifer Fischer (Ursula, MMT's The Little Mermaid) as Amneris. Also starring are Shan Williams, Tia Brown, Blair Johnson, and Tim Chastain.

Nelson, a middle school vocal teacher from Delran, NJ, is finding great meaning in her portrayal of Aida. When asked to elaborate on her experience, Nelson shared, "As an African American, being captured a slave in the show makes me feel connected to my ancestors, and how far we have come, yet how far we must still go. The strength in my character reminds me of my grandparents and parents, who lived through the civil rights movement, and remained open to the world, despite their experiences. In the past and present, it seems that many people have been and are so focused on our differences, that they forget to find beauty in it, and the moments when we find commonalities."

Performances of Aida run February 1-17 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $23 for seniors and students and are available online at www.musicmountaintheatre.org or by calling the box office at 609-397-3337.