Music Theatre Wichita Opens Season with AIDA Tonight

Music Theatre Wichita opens its 44th summer season June 10-14 with the first of its five large-scale productions, Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida at Century II Concert Hall in downtown Wichita, KS. This marks the 28th season for producing artistic director Wayne Bryan.

The production stars Zakiya Young (The Little Mermaid, The Radio City Music Hall Spectacular) as the title character, reprising a role she first played three summers ago for Kansas City Starlight, which was also directed by MTWichita's Mark Madama. Choreography has been created by Andrew Palermo, whose Broadway choreographic debut takes place this fall with Allegiance.

Popular leading man Andrew Samonsky (South Pacific, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Scandalous) plays opposite Ms. Young as Radames, the Egyptian warrior who becomes fascinated with the intelligent and strong Nubian woman he has captured, not realizing she is a princess.

Completing the romantic love triangle is Kate Loprest (First Date, Hairspray, Wicked) as Amneris, Radames' fashion-conscious Egyptian fiance?e, whose character undergoes surprising changes once Aida comes into their lives.

Bruce Winant (Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, La Cage Aux Folles) portrays the evil Zoser, determined to get his son Radames onto the Pharaoh's throne by any means necessary. A far more honorable patriarch, Aida's father Amonasro, is portrayed by Raphael Nash Thompson, a classical actor known for his work at the Goodman Theatre and Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Avery Smith, a student at Carnegie Mellon, makes his MTWichita debut as a member of the 2015 resident company, playing the role of Mereb.

The musical, inspired by the Verdi's opera and by a children's book authored by Met diva Leontyne Price, remains the only musical yet produced by Disney Theatrical that is not based on one of their motion pictures. Winner of four 2000 Tony Awards©, Aida enjoyed a successful four-year run at the Palace Theatre, and was previously produced at Music Theatre Wichita in 2005, also guided by director Madama and choreographer Palermo.

Other members of the current artistic team include musical director / conductor Thomas W. Douglas, costumer Dixon Reynolds, hair and makeup designer Taylor Malott, lighting designer David Neville, sound designer David Muehl, and assistant choreographer Samantha Jo Harvey.

Music Theatre Wichita has earned a reputation as one of the foremost summer opportunities for young upcoming talents. This year's Tony Awards featured several former MTWichita alumni, including Tony winner Kelli O'Hara, Tony host Kristin Chenoweth, and Jersey Boys co-star Matt Bogart, along with choreographer Josh Prince (It Shoulda Been You), associate choreographers Dontee Kiehn (An American in Paris) and John MacInnis (Something Rotten), and performers in On the 20th Century, The King and I, The Visit, Gigi, Something Rotten, Finding Neverland, and many more. Founded in 1972, MTWichita has created the world premiere of the revised Good News!, the U.S. premiere of Betty Blue Eyes, and the regional premieres of such Disney titles as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and High School Musical. MTWichita has also created cast albums for Honk! and Good News!

After Aida, the summer season continues with the professional premiere of Disney's My Son Pinocchio (June 24-28), the regional debuts of Billy Elliot (July 8-12) and Big Fish (July 22-26), and a brand new revival of Hello, Dolly! (August 5-9).

Tickets are on sale now for all performances, either online at mtwichita.org, or by calling 316.265.3107. More information, including biographies, histories, and a "Sneak Peek" video, can be found at www.MTWichita.org.

Photo Credit: Christopher Clark

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