Beautiful and Engaging AIDA: The reviews are in...

 

Theatre Review: Stages St. Louis’ Beautiful and Engaging AIDA

"The ensemble brings a depth of talent to the production – excelling both vocally and in their choreography. Director Luis Salgado’s choreography enriches musical numbers, especially when the ensemble is allowed to show their talent.

"A stand out amongst design is Herrick Goldman’s light design."

 While Salgado’s choices are modernistic, it is his focus on the characters and their love story, told through Elton John and Time Rice’s score that allows this production to provide an emotional wallop.

"Salgado, his company, and STAGES St. Louis delivers a touching story of fateful, forbidden and unrequited love with originality and panache. This producution may be visually different than expected, but it beats with the impassioned heart of the original production. The STAGES St. Louis production of AIDA runs through June 2nd in the Ross Family Theatre at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center."

STAGES’ ‘Aida’ is a Tragic, But Delightful, Love Triangle

"The brilliant use of neon triangles as stage decorations is symbolic of the love triangle between Radames, Amneris and Aida, as well as the Egyptian pyramids. Scenic design by Kate Rance and Lighting Design by Herrick Goldman featuring neon and bright colors and lights is sheer genius."

"Princess Amneris’ wedding gown is a show-stopper–simple, but totally awesome. Each costume is perfect for its character and setting."

Stages St. Louis' Aida Delivers an Intimate Production with a Broadway Feel

“Luis Salgado’s choreography effortlessly references traditional African and Egyptian dance while maintaining an athletic, modern energy, and his direction places focus on ideas of war, slavery and the value of an individual life that underscore contemporary issues. “

“Director and choreographer Luis Salgado and a talented cast embrace the many universal layers present in the love story as well as the culture and texture of the period in history. The singing is excellent, the choreography inventive and engaging, and the performances intimate and authentically resonant. “

STAGES Dazzles with Poignant, Powerful “Aida”

"STAGES St. Louis is back for another season, and their first production is spectacular."

"The cast here is wonderful, with standout performances from all three main leads, as well as the rest of the cast. The anchors, though, include the stellar Ogunfowara as the strong-minded Aida, with a powerful voice on songs like “Easy as Life”

"There’s a strong supporting cast with no weak links, as well as excellent vocals all around, with memorable group numbers like “The Gods Love Nubia” showcasing their talents, as well as the stunning choreography by director/choreographer Luis Salgado, who makes a triumphant return this year after last year’s excellent In the Heights." 

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The creative team for AIDA include: Music Director Erika R. Gamez (SUMMER: THE Donna Summer MUSICAL and ON YOUR FEET! National Tour), Assistant Director/Choreographer Megan Elyse Fulmer, Scenic Designer Kate Rance (AIDA at Axelrod Performing Arts Center), Lighting Designer Herrick Goldman (2020 Drama Desk Nomination, EINSTEIN'S DREAMS), Costume Designer Brad Musgrove, and Sound Designer Bethany Gratz.