The Harris Fine Arts Center has transformed into a stage for ancient Egypt the past four months with singing and dancing BYU students preparing for this year's musical selection "Aida." The long-time Broadway favorite is based on the book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls and David Henry Hwang, with upbeat music by Elton John and Tim Rice.

"Aida" tells the story of an enslaved Nubian princess who is torn between her duty to her people and her love for Radames, the captain of the Egyptian guard.

"It is a love-conquers-all story, however none of the main characters really get the love they are striving for,"said Tim Threlfall, director of "Aida". "Through this very honest and passionate love between the main characters, the history of their people and their nations are greatly altered for the better. They ultimately sacrifice true love to save their people. "

"Aida" is a timeless story of love, courage and redemption told through expressive lyrical dance and song. The Egyptian musical incorporates humor, passion and tragedy, however a noted difference between the Broadway hit and BYU's production is the director's concept. Threlfall said he applied his own ideas to the musical using the flow of the production as a metaphor to tell the story.

"We have chosen to take this concept of flow and make it the centerpiece of our storytelling," Threlfall said. Not only do the themes within the play flow within each other, Threlfall has designed the set, costumes, lighting and choreography to emphasize this concept.

"Our set, utilizing a large piece of fabric, flows and transforms to whatever the story demands, " Threfall said. "The timelessness and universality of this love story and the human struggle are heightened by the lack of any discernable time, period or setting. "

As the only musical for this school year, "Aida" drew many hopeful students to the audition , however a few students said they auditioned for roles because they could relate to the characters.

"I feel in many ways I can relate to her being amongst the few singer/dancers here at school," said Clotile Bonner, who is playing the titular character. "Not many roles are out there solely for black women, and this was the opportunity right at my door. I knew I could do it."

Anya Young, a junior majoring in Pre-Music Dance Theater, said "Aida" interested her after she saw the production on Broadway.

"I did come in with expectations having already seen it," Young said. "However, I liked the differences in our musical and the Broadway one."

Stage manager Chelsea Cordell, a junior majoring in theater, said she also enjoys the musical's theme, and her experience assisting Threlfall with the cast.

"My role is basically the mediator between the director and everyone else. The whole production is truly amazing." Cordell's favorite part of the whole process has been her interaction with the cast.

"Working with the cast and getting to know them has been wonderful," Cordell said. "Seeing their personalities being applied to the script, which in itself is already well-written, really is so amazing."

Many of the cast members said they feel strongly about the music and script of the musical. They said they are all aware of the message presented within the production, and have focused on putting their passion and personality into their individual roles.

James Jones, a sophomore majoring in psychology, said he was initially drawn to audition for the musical because of the famous names of Elton John and Tim Rice.

"Honestly, I've had about enough of the "Love Conquers All" message," Jones said. "But this music and these characters performing it will get you so excited that you can't help but smile, laugh or even cry. Throw that in with the great story line and lovable characters, and you'll certainly leave feeling good inside."

Sarah Burroughs, a sophomore majoring in modern dance, said she enjoys spending time rehearsing.

"Seeing all the talent that each cast member brings to their characters brings out the best in us," she said.

The cast members have been rehearsing since the casting results were posted back in October. Burroughs, part of the ensemble, along with other cast members, have spent countless nights perfecting their dance movements and songs.

"Rehearsals are becoming more intense since the show is approaching," Burroughs said. "We have rehearsed almost every night for about three hours, and five hours on Saturday. But being with the cast that we have each night is well worth it."

Although the members of "Aida" have gained valuable experience over the past four months with their singing and dancing, many have also learned to appreciate its message for the audience.

"Sometimes life isn't fair," Young said. "But we have to appreciate the moments that God has given us to enjoy."

The play runs from Jan. 25 to Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pardoe Theatre. Tickets are $14 or $10 with BYU or student ID and may be purchased at the fine arts ticket office or online at performances.byu.edu.

Copyright Brigham Young University 26 Jan 2006