If you are in Cleveland or the surrounding area, you are in luck. Aida is coming to a theatre near you! Felicia Boswell (Motown, Memphis), fresh off her run as Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, will star as the title role in the Cleveland Musical Theatre Production of Aida, July 25-26 only!
Aida is loosely based on Giuseppe Verdi’s 1871 opera, brought to life by the team that 
brought us Lion King: Elton John wrote the score and lyrics are by Tim Rice. Aida is an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal chronicling the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love.
Ms. Boswell is no stranger to the role. In 2008, the Virginia Musical Theatre was one of the first regional theaters to gain rights to the show after its Broadway run ended in 2004. Boswell starred in the title role and received rave reviews for her performance. Hampton Roads wrote about Boswell:
She rips into those ballads with a ferocity that would daunt any Egyptian captor. Acting wise, she brings a nobility and fierce anger to the part that is tempered by femininity when love takes over. She has the diva thing down pat, with every hint that she deserves the crown. Boswell is mezzo magnificent.
Boswell was most recently seen as Aldonza in Barrington Stage Company’s production of Man of La Mancha in Massachusetts. Inspired by Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th-century satirical novel “Don Quixote,” Man of La Mancha tells a story rich in chivalry, romance, idealism, tilting at windmills, and dreaming “The Impossible Dream.” Man of La Mancha features a book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion. The production ran from June 10 until July 11, under the direction of Julianna Boyd.
Performances of Cleveland Musical Theatre’s Aida will occur at 8:00PM on Saturday, July 25th and at 2:00PM on Sunday, July 26th. In addition to the performance, one hour before the show the theatre will have a presentation about itself and the educational program, Making It On Broadway. The show also stars Christina DeCicco, Jared Zirilli, and Timothy Warmen. You can RSVP for the show from their website here.
Check out Felicia singing “The Gods Love Nubia” from Aida below!
