Elton
John and Tim Rice's Aida: Bringing the Broadway Musical to Life by
Michael Lassell, Tim Rice
I saw Aida on Broadway and was impressed by the
music, the acting, the scenery, and the dancing. When I discovered
this book, I found a way to relive the moment. I enjoyed looking
through the photos of this book and showing them to people who
have not yet seen the play on Broadway. I also enjoyed reading all
the behind the scenes comments by the actors and actresses. All in
all, I have found this book a great way to cherish one of the
greatest musicals on Broadway. -- Anonymous Review
Aida
(2000 Original Broadway Cast) Elton
John, Tim Rice, Heather Headley, Adam Pascal, Sherie Rene
Scott
For his second Broadway musical (and first time
out writing a full show directly for the stage), Elton John
certainly set his sights high by turning to one of the grandest of
all operas as a source. His continued collaboration with lyricist
Tim Rice has produced a work far closer to the agreeable pop style
and formula of the team's Disney musical, The Lion King,
than to the majesty and tragic passion of Verdi's opera. But the
compelling tale of conflicting loyalties and star-crossed
lovers--retooled in part by acclaimed playwright David Henry
Hwang--inspires some of John's signature melodic felicity, as in
"Elaborate Lives" and "Every Story Is a Love
Story." And the original cast recording marks a dramatic leap
forward from 1999's dreary mishmash studio concept album, thanks
to the heat generated by Heather Headley and Rent star Adam
Pascal as the forbidden lovers. Sherie René Scott can turn on a
dime from a parodic stance ("My Strongest Suit") to sad
resignation ("I Know the Truth"), while the three get to
blend in the ensemble "A Step Too Far"--a pop
counterpart to the intensity of operatic ensemble. The score
touches on reggae and gospel, and on all-out rock balladry (where
it's fun to hear Pascal clearly imitating John's characteristic
vocal inflections), but it's most touching in the more reflective
moments given to Headley's dignified Nubian princess. --Thomas
May