The Seacoast Repertory Theatre’s Youth Mainstage production of rock musical “Aida” is based on the opera by Giuseppe Verdi and updated by Elton John and Tim Rice. The piece starts at a museum, whe`re Egyptian Princess Amneris (in her full glory in regal silks) is depicted in the center of an exhibit. A young woman and her child notice a young man and his child. Startled, they stare at each other. It’s as if they somehow know each other and have for a very long time. 

The musical then delves back in time to tell the story of Aida (Alana Thyng), a strong willed Nubian princess who, along with several of her slave girls, is taken captive and brought to an Egyptian palace. Such a fate was the lifelong fear of her father, King Amonasro (Andrew Flaherty), who repeatedly warned her about visiting the countryside. Nubia and Egypt have been at war for many years, and any Nubian caught by the Egyptians is bound to a life of service, working the grounds and copper mines—a torturous job for young girls.

Aida’s imperial stature and inner fire catches the attention of Egyptian Prince Radames (Andrew Bridges). Despite Aida’s refusal to succumb to the prince’s will, he arranges for Aida and her girls to work in the palace, which is a much easier job than toiling in the copper mines. There, an unlikely friendship springs up between Aida and Egyptian Princess Amneris (Taylor Lintelman), who will soon take over the throne. Amneris has been betrothed to Radames since they were children, as cunningly arranged by his father, Chief Minister Zoser (DJ Ingalls).

Aida is torn in many directions. She wants desperately to return home, but she finds herself unwillingly falling for the enemy, Radames. She also feels loyalty to Princess Amneris, who is soon to wed the prince. Things get even more complicated when the Egyptians capture Amonasro. Radames’ servant Mereb (Randy Blake), a Nubian who formerly served the king, hatches a plan to rescue Amonasro and escape to Nubia during Radames’ wedding, and he wants Aida to help lead the revolt.

The results of these events would eventually shake the land of both countries forever. A promise is made that is finally fulfilled many centuries later, at that museum display of ancient Egypt, when the two young single parents’ eyes meet. 

The Seacoast’s wealth of talented young people is well known. Alana Thyng has a voice that belies her small stature, and her dancing skills are smooth and graceful. Her romantic lead, Andrew Bridges, has an equally strong voice and peels away the layers of his character little by little until a new man has emerged from a boy. DJ Ingalls, as the cunning Zoser, plays his role with a strong hand, and Randy Blake, as Mereb, gives the character a strength and selflessness, all for his beloved country. Each of the young people give their roles zest, but it’s Taylor Lintelman who steals the show as Amneris. Her comedic timing is natural, easy and hilarious, her voice is enchanting and her acting skills have the depth of someone with 10 times the experience. Seacoast audiences can look forward to seeing her on both stage and screen in the very near future.

Director Craig Faulkner knocked it out of the park with this merry band of players.
    
“Aida” is running at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre at 125 Bow St., Portsmouth, 603-433-4472. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., through March 15.