On the banks of the Nile in ancient Egypt, the captain of the guard is torn between accepting an arranged marriage or choosing a passionate romance.
This weekend (Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28), the Hoboken High School theatre group is bringing the modern rock opera to life.
Paula Ohaus, theatre program coordinator and “Aida” director, isn’t being shy about the potential for a very powerful performance. “I think this will have a good chance at states,” she said last week, referring to the annual state theater awards that HHS has won before.
Ohaus said that accompanied by an 11-piece orchestra, the big scenes have the potential to blow the audience away.
Almost 100 students have participated in the production: acting, set building, costume design, sound production, set direction, and lighting. Ohaus’ preparation and the talent and determination of the cast and crew leave nothing to fate. The show is tailor-made for the young stars of Hoboken High.
“If this is done well, it feels like a professional show.” – Paula Ohaus
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“Aida” is the 1998 Elton John/Tim Rice adaptation of the 19th Century tale of love, struggle, and race relations in ancient Egypt.
Between love and a hard place
Aida, the main character, is a maidservant to the Pharaoh’s daughter, but – unbeknownst to the Egyptians – she is also a Nubian princess who was captured into slavery.
She falls in love with the Egyptian captain of the guard, Radames, who has been promised to marry the Pharaoh’s daughter, Amneris. Unfortunately, Ramades does not love Amneris, but out of respect for the Pharaoh, has agreed to the marriage.
To complicate matters, Aida’s father, the king of Nubia, is captured by Egyptians on the wedding day. Ramades is put in an untenable situation: follow through with the marriage, or help Aida save her father and leave the Pharaoh’s daughter at the altar.
The main cast
Convincingly playing the part of the torn Ramades is junior Joshua Delgado, a football player-turned-actor who starred as Sky Masterson in the HHS production of “Guys and Dolls” over the winter.
He plays opposite junior Bianca Jade Alverez as Amneris, and sophomore Gabrielle Frederick as title character Aida. Alverez recently played Sarah Brown in “Guys and Dolls,” and Frederick played in the recent production of “Fires in the Mirror,” an Anna Deavere Smith play.
The star
Frederick has the potential to steal the show with her powerful singing voice. She said during rehearsals last week that she had never seen the play, but is impressed.
“It’s really cool, actually,” she said. “Now I want to go see it on Broadway.”
She said the hardest part has been assuming her role. “It’s tough having to be a whole different character,” she said. And although Frederick has never been formally trained to sing, her father is a vocal coach, so, “The singing came naturally.”
Asked about her future in show business, Frederick said maybe, but she is focused on entering medicine. Ohaus said Frederick is breathtaking in the role, and could have a fallback in theatre if she ever decides not to pursue her dream of becoming a plastic surgeon.
The contributors
On the other end of the singing spectrum is junior Duke McCourt, who chose the role of the Pharaoh because there was no singing involved.
McCourt, who was renowned for his role in “The Odyssey,” said he also enjoyed working on set design for “Aida.”
Another theatre veteran, junior Samuel Olmedo is playing the role of Zoser, Ramades’s father who arranged his marriage and seeks power.
Olmedo said it was fun to delve into the role of “this psychopathic, controlling figure.”
Directing the professional orchestra is music director Meg Zervoulis, an adjunct professor at Montclair State who volunteers her services for the musical productions at HHS.
The director
Ohaus said Zervoulis has been integral to the production. As the final components came together last week, Ohaus said she enjoys watching the students take charge and work together.
“These kids,” she said, pausing. “We’ll be here until 11 p.m., until they kick us out. We’re in the top five in the state on these kids’ talent and willingness to commit alone.”
So it’s up to her to make sure they know when to sing and when to move a box off the stage. “If this is done well, it feels like a professional show,” Ohaus said.
Showtimes are Saturday, March 27 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 28 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for general admission; $7 for college students; $5 for students; and $2 for senior citizens. The city has purchased tickets for the first 100 senior citizens to attend the shows on Saturday.
For more information on the senior tickets, call (201) 420-2012.
Timothy J. Carroll may be reached at tcarroll@hudsonreporter.com.