*Spoiler Alert*Although it enjoyed a fairly brief stint on Broadway (under 2000 performances), Aida left a permanent mark after I saw it for my 16th birthday. Adapted from the classic 19th century opera by Giuseppe Verdi, legendary musicians Elton John and Tim Rice crafted not only a brilliant score, but also stayed rather faithful to the original Verdi storyline.
The story centers around 3 main characters: Amneris, daughter of the Pharaoh of Egypt and narrator of the tale; Radames, leader of the Egyptian army and Amneris' betrothed; and the titular character Aida, daughter of the King of Nubia (Egypt's enemy) captured by Radames in battle.
As the story progresses, Aida and Radames fall in love, and, one by one, as the supporting characters discover their romance, it threatens to rip the court apart.
The idea of a love triangle and the star-crossed lovers may seem cliche, but the characters display real feelings and many-layered personalities that give the story a whole new meaning. That, combined with breathtaking music and song produce a spectacle to rival any other production in the history of Broadway.
Sources: The Broadway Musical Home- Aida & Wikipedia
