Shayla S. Simmons and Jobari Parker-Namdar in “Aida.”Photo by DJ Corey Photography.
Star-crossed lovers facing a destiny unknown is a story that seems to never get old, and the current revival of Elton John and Tim Rice’s moving musical “Aida” by the Constellation Theatre Company is proving to be a powerful production packed with plenty of raw, tender moments.
The Constellation Theater Company captivates with their arresting, bittersweet production of Aida guaranteed to give you all the feels.
Quite fitting for Constellation’s Epic Love 2018/2019 season, the show, directed by Michael J. Bobbitt with stellar musical direction by Helen Hayes nominee Walter “Bobby” McCoy,” is epic indeed. The intimate space of the theater adds an element of intrigue as the audience becomes enthralled with the timeless tale of politics, pain, and passion in ancient Egypt.
Tackling the eclectic songbook of rock, pop and gospel is an exceptional ensemble of 14 talented performers of color who effortlessly evoke emotion and depth along the way. Full of conviction and grace, Shayla S. Simmons portrays Aida, the dutiful daughter and Nubian princess forced into slavery after the conquest of her people. Her quiet strength and beautiful presence are hard to resist for Radames, the brash Egyptian captain brilliantly portrayed by Jobari Parker-Namdar whose strong, crystal clear vocals in “Elaborate Lives” make him one to watch.
Completing the complicated love triangle is Pharaoh’s daughter, princess Amneris, played by Chani Wereley, who dazzles in the opening with “Every Story Is a Love Story” and later hits all the high notes with the entertaining “My Strongest Suit.”
One stirring scene is when Aida, along with Mereb and Nehebka, played by Da’Von Moody and Ashley Johnson-Moore, who are both exceptional singers, and other fellow Nubians give a rousing performance of “The Gods Love Nubia,” a gorgeous hymnal-like song offering hope in times of hardship.
As Aida, Simmons is also riveting both as a soloist showing her range in “The Past Is Another Land” as well as when performing touching ballads including “How I Know You” with Moody’s Mereb and “Dance of the Robe” with Johnson-Moore as Nehebka.
Of course, the creative team elevates the entire experience with energetic dance sequences by Tony Thomas II, thrilling fight scenes by Ryan Sellers, chic, eye-catching costumes by Kenann M. Quander and stylish, minimalistic scenic and lighting design by A.J. Guban that sets the overall ambiance and mood.
The Constellation Theater Company captivates with their arresting, bittersweet production of Aida guaranteed to give you all the feels.
Running Time: 2 Hours with one 15-minute intermission.
“Aida” presented by the Constellation Theatre Company runs through November 18, 2018, at Source theater (1835 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009). For tickets and information, visit here.
