Modern music enlivens 'Aida' at Dundee-Crown

Enchantment is passing through the auditorium at Dundee-Crown.

The high school presents "Aida" beginning at 7 p.m. today.

After three months of rehearsal, the cast of 70 students - along with 50 parent volunteers and four music teachers - is ready to put on a show worthy to be written in the stars.

"It has been a real collaboration," said choral director Lisa Bettcher. "It's a positive thing we can give to our community."

"Aida" is a story of love and war, set in the time of Egyptian pharaohs. But with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, the rock and roll musical puts a new twist on a classic love triangle story.

"The music brings a different, more modern taste to theater," said sophomore Dan Zozokos, who plays Egyptian army captain Radames.

Senior Leona Quist, who plays Princess Amneris, agreed.

"The pop music feel helps people relate to it more," she said.

Not only did the young cast connect with the updated soundtrack, but with the struggles in the story line as well.

"Every character in the show finds themselves torn apart by difficult decisions," said senior Sandra Simonetta, who plays the title role. "Even though I haven't gone through what Aida had to face, I can definitely relate to the pressure she felt."

"Aida" made its Broadway debut in 2000, but it has only recently become popular among school and community theaters. Taking on the challenge of a show gaining momentum appealed to Dundee-Crown's music department.

"We did something old last year with 'The Music Man,' so this year we wanted to try something new," Bettcher said.

A lot of new avenues were discovered with this show. Many of the lead actors, including Simonetta and Quist, had never had large roles before. Also, the professional quality sets were built out of styrofoam, which helped to save money and bring easier mobility for scene changes.

Traveling to Egypt to depict the pain and agony of warring countries and secret affairs would prove to be too much for many young casts, but the performers at Dundee-Crown are not under duress.

During rehearsal, they laugh and smile, brushing off minor mistakes and cheering when everything goes according to plan.

"There is no tension behind the scenes," Simonetta said. "We're all BFFs."

That infectious feeling will follow you home after seeing the show.

"The music is so great," Bettcher said. "You'll find yourself singing the songs again and again!"