An all-star cast has been assembled for STUDIO TENN THEATER COMPANY and THE TENNESSEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER’s (TPAC) upcoming production of ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE’S AIDA: IN CONCERT for two nights at TPAC on September 30 and October 1, 2022.
With a rich score of music by Elton John guiding the enduring story of love, war and betrayal, the production will be directed and choreographed by Broadway stalwart Gerry McIntyre with credits including Joseph and the Incredible Technicolor Dream Coat and Chicago. The shows will be co-directed by Studio Tenn Artistic Director Patrick Cassidy, the beloved stage and screen veteran.
The two-night show stars Maya Riley — an up-and-coming talent from Nashville making her TPAC debut — as Aida, joining Jon Robert Hall (TV show “Glee”, Nasty) as Radames, Jackie Burns (Nasty, If so) like Amneris, and Rex Smith (Top 10 Single “You Take My Breath Away”, Fat) like Zoser.
“The level of talent is just amazing – it’s a star-studded cast from New York, Los Angeles and Nashville,” Cassidy said. “We are especially thrilled to have Maya take the stage at the James K. Polk Theater in her hometown – she is fascinating and I know she will make a lasting impression on audiences. Putting her alongside Rex, Jackie and John creates a dynamic and powerful experience.
Riley, a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, has performed in a variety of roles around the world, including Ragtime, Cymbeline, ocean gem and divine spell. Smith has been a staple of Broadway productions for years and also has a long list of TV and feature film credits. Burns’ distinguished career includes being Broadway’s longest running Elphaba in Nasty – in fact, she is the face of the Nasty Mark. Hall was a regular on the hit television series, Joyand has written and performed with a wide list of global superstars, including Childish Gambino, Celine Dion, Florida-Georgia Line, Josh Groban and even Michael Jackson.
Other impressive cast members include Christian Boyd, Mark Cabus, Gabrielle Ejibe, Ja’Naye Flanagan, Carli Hardon, William Harris III, Josh Jordan, Bakari King, Juliana Lamia, Tiffany Rae Mallari, Calvin Malone and Kittrell Poe.
Members of the creative team include assistant choreographer Everett Tarlton, set designer Sawyer Wallace, co-costumers Devon Spencer and Lauren Terry, lighting designer Michael Barnette, sound designer Danny Northup and musical director Steve Kummer.
Shows start at 8:00 p.m. on September 30 and October 1. Single tickets are on sale now on the Studio Tenn and TPAC websites (link to tickets here). Tickets for the entire 2022-23 Studio Tenn season can be purchased in a four-show package on the Studio Tenn website. More information about TPAC’s Broadway series is also available on TPAC’s website.
About AIDA BY ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE: IN CONCERT
Winner of four Tony Awards, AIDA BY ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE: IN CONCERT is an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal, chronicling the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love.
The enslaved Nubian princess, Aida, finds her heart entangled with Radames, an Egyptian soldier betrothed to the pharaoh’s daughter, Amneris. As their forbidden love blossoms, Aida is forced to weigh her heart against the responsibility that falls upon her as leader of her people. Aida and Radames’ love for each other becomes a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding an unprecedented period of peace and prosperity.
The show was originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions and directed on Broadway by Robert Falls. Music is by Elton John with lyrics by Tim Rice; the book is by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls and David Henry Hwang.
AIDA BY ELTON JOHN AND TIM RICE is presented through a special arrangement with Musical Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com