April 19, 2005 > Timeless Love In Our Town

by Heidi Leung

A beautiful love story is about to unfold as spring settles in the town of Fremont. Newark Memorial and American High schools will both present Disney's Aida, written by Tim Rice and Elton John. "This is a story of a love that flourished in a time of hate. Of lovers no tyranny could separate. Love set into motion on the Nile's shore, destiny ignited by an act of war." -Amneris 'Every Story Is A Love Story.'

The story begins in an Egyptian museum as the spirt of Amneris, princess of Egypt, tells of a tragic love story during bitter warfare between Nubia and Egypt. Radames, captain of the Egyptian army has just returned from a battle in Nubia where he has captured a group of women destined for slavery. One of the captives, Aida, captures Radames attention.

Radames sends Aida to his fiance, Amneris, as a personal slave rather than to the coal mines. Amneris is insecure about her role as the next ruler of Egypt; Aida helps her and the two become good friends. The Pharoh falls ill and it is decreed that the wedding of Amneris and Radames take place in a week.

Radames feels trapped - his days as an explorer are over - and confides his distress to Aida. A love triange ensues as Radames and Aida professes their love for each other. News of the capture of Aida's father, King of Nubia, complicates matters and Aida plots to free her father during the wedding of Radame and Amneris.

Radame's scheming father, Zoser, finds out about Aida and Radame's love affair. Radame tells Aida that he wants to cancel the wedding but this will ruin Aida's plans. Amneris overhears this conversation and realizes that her wedding is a sham. This play has enough conflict, drama and intrigue coupled with Elton John tunes to please everyone.

Aida just left Broadway (with a Grammy and 4 Tony awards) and was recently made available to amateur theater companies. Both American High School and Newark Memorial High School have elected to put their own spin on this successful musical, an adaptation of the classic Verdi opera. Try one or be a true connoisseur and see both theatrical efforts.

Aida

American High School
36300 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
Thursday, April 28
3:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, Apr. 29-30
7 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday, May 5-7
7 p.m.
Students $6; General $8; Reserved $10
For advance tickets, call (510)797-1776 x. 57750.

Newark Memorial High School
39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark
Friday & Saturday; April 22 & 23; 29 & 30; May 6 & 7
8 p.m.
Sunday; May 1
2 p.m.
For advanced tickets call (510) 794-2099
Also available at the Book End on Thornton in Newark.