Willmar High School presents 'Aida: The Timeless Love Story'

Nov. 9—WILLMAR

— The Willmar High School music department presents "Aida: The Timeless Love Story," written by Elton John and Tim Rice, a musical based on the opera of the same name written by Antonio Ghislanzoni with music by Giuseppe Verdi.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. Nov. 10-12 and 1 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Willmar High School Brau Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children, and are available on the school website.

In the Egyptian wing of a modern museum, a man and a woman touring the exhibit catch each other's eyes.

A statue of Amneris, a female Pharaoh, played by Maggie Anderson, comes to life and transports them to Ancient Egypt, where Radames, played by Rich Becker, captain of the Egyptian army, and his men are returning from an expedition through the land of Egypt's long-time enemy, Nubia.

When his soldiers capture a group of Nubian women, he is captivated by one of the women, Aida, played by Ceci Buzzeo, who tries to free herself by out-dueling one of his soldiers.

Radames forces her to wash his back, but she refuses, saying that although the Egyptians took everything from the Nubians, they will never take their spirit. Radames saves Aida's companions from the copper mines (and certain death) by sending them to the palace groundskeeper instead.

He also ensures Aida serves as a handmaiden to his betrothed, Princess Amneris.

As their forbidden love blossoms, Aida is forced to weigh her heart against the responsibility that she faces as the leader of her people. Aida and Radames' love for one another becomes a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity.

Other members of the cast are Emma Villnow, Kaleb Gerdes, Diego Chavez, Josh Jensen and Malachi Elmhorst.

Chorus members are Ava Carlson, Maeli Carlson, Qiara Christenson, Amin Fifita, Jaiden Fredrickson, Macy Gazelka, Sam Gazelka, Maddie George Rosemika Groen, Brooklyn Hinrichs, Rae Holwerda, Chloe Jensen, Lennie Marshall, Lily Martinez, Daniela Medina-Reyes, Bethany Molash, Nevaeh Molash, Mikayla Ornelas, Diane Osuna Alvarez, James Rende, Jon Rubio, Gabby Rud, Courtney Schiesser, Alex Sixta, Zoe Swart, Brayden Thoms, Mindy Twedt, Aeda Villnow,

Playing in the pit orchestra are Bryton Carlson, Nick Castiglioni, Brandon Escalon-Valladares, Carl Holm, Hailey Jurgenson, Jacob Loerzel, Jon Marchand, Brendan Pappenfus, Carol Parker, Kari Stadem and Lisa Zeller.

Running the lights and sound are Gavin Evenson, Drew Lindquist, Lauryn Mueske, Ryan Newberg, Evan Wallestad and Ivy Williams.

Emery Holwerda, Kylee Nash and Kylee Struck are the set and backstage crew.

Neal Haugen and Travis Michelson are the musical directors. Julene Haugen is the assistant director and Sylvia Twedt is the student director.

Kari Michelson is the choreographer and Todd Blaser is the pit director.

Set directors are Bryan Mara and Alison Schaaf.

Lights/sound director is Terry Brau and Anna Zieske is the costume director.