In the Autumn of 2011 I was selected to play the role of Zoser in SLOC's production of AIDA. This was to be my first serious dance work, as well as a bit more of a modern singing style utilizing both reggae and pop. Also my first BAD GUY role! Here are the details:
SLOC is thrilled to announce its cast for the epic tale AIDA, to be performed December 2-4 and 8-11, 2011 under the direction of Michael Mensching. Part Broadway musical, part dance spectacular and part rock concert, AIDA is a story about the power and timelessness of love. Winner of four Tony Awards when Disney's Hyperion Theatrical Group first brought it to Broadway, AIDA features music by pop legend Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, who wrote the lyrics for hit shows like Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. Set in ancient Egypt, the story focuses on the Nubian princess, Aida, who is captured by an Egyptian captain, Radames. He saves her from a life of hard labor by giving her as a handmaiden to the Egyptian princess Amneris, his future bride. Amneris and Aida become close friends, even as Radames and Aida secretly fall in love. When this dangerous love triangle clashes with a plot to kill the Pharaoh, it shakes the ancient world to its core. A tale of love, loyalty and betrayal, Aida is ultimately the story of three people who are forced to make difficult choices for love, choices that will alter the course of history forever. The production features the following cast:
Aida- Dashira Cortes
Radames- Nick Abounader
Amneris- Maggie Ecker
Zoser- Jeffrey Jene
Pharaoh- Kevin McNamara
Amonasro- Emmett Ferris
Nehebka- Jennifer Payeur
Palace Women/Nubians: Allyson Bullock, Sarah Clermont, Amanda Jo Marshall, Jennifer Payeur, Trish Scott, Aleatha Williams
Ministers/Soldiers: Matthew Dembling, Lorenzo Moore Johnson, Kevin McNamara, Andrew Palmateer, Bobby Ruggles
Chorus: Becca Belenchia, Peter Belenchia, Kara DiCaterino, Leslie Eliashuk, Jane Figueroa, Ashley France, Anne Gallagher, Maureen Gallagher, Amy Bonati Geiling, Jeffrey Hocking, Joe Kivlen, Michael Lotano, Maggie McLellan, Genevieve Mailloux, Donna Moore, Kelsy Norton, Crystal Potter, Will Sleasman, Amanda Shpigler, Jeffrey Sullivan, Jason Tillery