Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida: The Making of a Broadway Musical FROM THE PUBLISHER
Enthusiastically anticipated as the latest Disney stage production, following the astounding success of Julie Taymor's breakthrough production of The Lion King, Aida is certain to be a hit. Celebrated songwriter Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice present their version of the classic tale of Aida - the story of a love triangle in which the three main characters - Radames, Aida, and Amneris - are torn between love for each other and greater duties. This colorful book contains all the excitement of the lavish production, detailing all the action on the stage and behind the curtain. You'll find spectacular costume sketches, fabric samples, and set designs, as well as interviews with the actors, directors, producers, and composers. Best of all are brilliantly photographed scenes that convey the full breadth of the show's beauty and drama and offer readers the next-best thing to a front-row seat.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature
This fascinating volume takes a behind-the-scenes look at the making of one of Broadway's most eagerly awaited musicals�Aida. Based on the opera by Giuseppe Verdi, this compelling musical explores the tragic love triangle of Aida, an enslaved African princess, Radames, an Egyptian captain and Amneris, the daughter of an Egyptian pharaoh. After spending approximately three years observing the developmental stages of this musical�from auditions and rehearsals to out-of-town performances and the grand opening in New York's Palace Theater in March, 2000�the author presents a detailed recreation of the entire process for the reader. In addition to well-written discussions of the musical's story, composition, production and performance, this resource also contains interviews with key players including Elton John, Tim Rice, Robert Falls, Wayne Cilento and Bob Crowley. Included as well are design sketches and photographed scenes from rehearsals and the finished Broadway production. This compelling book will definitely be an eye-opener for most readers and theatergoers. It is amazing to see how much work really goes into the creation of an award-winning musical. Kudos to the collaborators of this wonderful project. 2000, Disney Editions. Ages 15 up. Reviewer: Debra Briatico
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