Village Theatre Announces AIDA Cast

 Village Theatre announces the cast for AIDA, the exhilarating pop-rock powerhouse by Elton John and Tim Rice, on stage May 14 - July 6, 2008 in Issaquah and July 11 - 27, 2008 in Everett.

Fresh from Los Angeles and making her debut performance with Village Theatre is Marliss Amiea in the title role of the courageous Aida. Some of Amiea's past credits include Disney's The Lion King, Little Shop of Horrors, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Playhouse Disney Live Onstage, and Dreamgirls. Formerly a back-up singer for Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, Kenny Loggins, and Dave Brubeck, Amiea was also the co-host of Disney's pilot presentation of Playhouse Disney Lunchtime.

Introducing the Minneapolis native (currently a resident of New York) Michael Murnoch in his Village Theatre debut as the handsome and brave soldier Radames. Murnoch has previously appeared Off-Broadway as Julio in Magpie. Other past tour credits include Berger in Hair, Kenickie in Grease, and Max in Cabaret. Some of his regional credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, The Pirates of Penzance, and Grease.

Returning to Village Theatre, yet making her Mainstage debut, is KIDSTAGE alum and current Carnegie Mellon senior musical theatre student, Ryah Nixon as the beautiful Egyptian princess Amneris. Past Village Theatre credits include 26 in Piece, Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors, and Louise/Eve in Ruthless!. Some other credits include the role Rusty in Footloose and Lizzie in 110 in the Shade.

Last seen on the Village Theatre Mainstage in Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, and Jesus Christ Superstar is Bob De Dea in the role of Radames' father, Zoser. Jim Orr is back to play the Pharaoh after his hysterical delivery man performance in Barefoot in the Park. Trent Saunders returns to Village Theatre as the loyal Nubian, Mereb after his debut performance in The King and I earlier this season. Tanesha Ross, once an American Idol contestant, returns to the Mainstage as the devout Nubian, Nehebka, while Terence Kelley returns to Village Theatre in the role of Amonasro, Aida's father.

Village Theatre's production of Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA is directed by Steve Tomkins and Brian Yorkey, with choreography by Steve Tomkins, musical direction by Tim Symons, scenic design by Carey Wong, light design by Tom Sturge, costume design by Karen Ledger, and sound design by Don Littrell.

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Michelle Sanders at (425) 392-1942 x124 or msanders@villagetheatre.org. Pre-production photos will be available after May 1, 2008.

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