LPWire: AIDA Makes Its Detroit Premiere At the Fisher Theatre Beginning September 12, 2002

Casting Announced for Elton John and Tim Rice's 'AIDA'; Disney's New Musical Love Story Makes Its Detroit Premiere At the Fisher Theatre Beginning September 12, 2002

Casting has been announced for Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA, Disney's Tony Award(R)-winning musical love story. The newest blockbuster musical from Disney Theatrical Productions, AIDA will premiere in Detroit at the Fisher Theatre beginning September 12 (with a special performance on September 11) for 4 weeks only!

Paulette Ivory stars as AIDA, a Nubian princess who falls in love with the Egyptian captain Radames. British born, Paulette is one of London's most versatile West End performers, gracing the stage with lead roles in Disney's The Lion King (Nala), Smokey Joe's Cafe, The Hot Mikado, and West Side Story. Playing the Egyptian Captain who falls in love with AIDA is Jeremy Kushnier. Mr. Kushnier originated the role of Ren in the Broadway production of Footloose and has been seen as Roger in the National Tour of Rent. Kelli Fournier stars as Amneris, the Egyptian princess betrothed to Captain Radames. Kelli comes from the original Broadway cast of AIDA. Rounding out the cast is Eric L. Christian as Mereb, Robert Neary as Radames' father Zoser, and Peter Kapetan as the Pharaoh.

Based on an ancient legend, Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA is a musical love story bursting with contemporary energy that tells the story of two star- crossed lovers on the banks of the Nile. AIDA features new music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, their first effort since writing THE LION KING together. The production, which received four 2000 Tony(R) Awards, opened on Broadway at the Palace Theatre on March 23, 2000 and has been playing to capacity audiences ever since.

AIDA is directed by Robert Falls, and features a book by Linda Woolverton and Robert Falls & David Henry Hwang and is choreographed by Wayne Cilento. The sets and costumes are by 2000 Tony Award-winner Bob Crowley and the lighting design is by 2000 Tony Award-winner Natasha Katz. Music supervision and orchestrations are provided by Paul Bogaev.

Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, which operates under the direction of Thomas Schumacher. Disney Theatrical Productions is also responsible for the Tony Award-winning BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, now in its seventh year on Broadway and THE LION KING, which received six 1998 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as the 1999 Grammy(R) Award for Best Musical Show Album. Most recently, Elton John and Tim Rice received the 2001 Grammy(R) Award for Best Musical Show Album for AIDA.

AIDA will play September 12, 2002 (with a special performance on September 11) through October 5, 2002 at the Fisher Theatre. Performances are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m., Sundays at 7:30 p.m., with additional performances on Thursday, September 12 at 1:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 2 at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are still available at the Fisher Theatre box office, and all Ticketmaster outlets, or visit www.ticketmaster.com , or by calling 248-645-6666. For special group rates on 20 or more people, call 313-871-1132. For more information on AIDA, visit www.disneyonbroadway.com .

--Posted September 4, 2002
Source: Disney Theatrical Productions