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Centerpoint brings audiences to their feet With ‘Aida’

By Rachel Trotter, Standard-Examiner Correspondent - | Oct 12, 2015
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Raven Flowers, Aida, talks with audience members after Centerpoint's production of "Aida." Rachel Trotter

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Angie Winegar, at right, who plays Amneris in the Centerpoint production of "Aida," talks with an audience member after the opening-night performance. Rachel Trotter

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Rob Child, Pharoah, poses with Raven Flowers, Aida, after Centerpointe opening night of "Aida." Rachel Trotter

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Andrew Taula plays Mereb in Centerpoint’s production of Aida. Rachel Trotter

CENTERVILLE — If the cast of Aida had opening night jitters, it was impossible to tell. The cast and crew delivered a stunning performance of Elton John and Tim Rice’s popular Broadway musical, “Aida.”

It was truly a team effort to make the show work with elaborate costuming, set design, staging, singing and acting. The cast was large, but everyone knew their roles well.

The show opens in modern times but falls into ancient Egyptian times as the character of Amneris starts singing as she is on display behind glass and then moves out of the glass into the times in which the musical is set. The sequence moved smoothly and the audience was immediately captivated with the story.

At first, the casting of Brock Dalgleish seemed a little confusing with his more modern looks, but as the musical progressed, by the third or fourth act, it was easy to see that he was perfect for the role. His strong voice and command of the role shined through. His chemistry with Raven Flowers as Aida was convincing and the two played well off of each other. Their duet of “Elaborate Lives” was spellbinding and beautiful. The two sang to each other very close together, but their voices were strong.

Flowers was perfect for the role of Aida. She was able to show the leader she was, but also her inner conflict to be with the man she loved. She was able to stay true to the character. Her powerful voice was one of the highlights of the show and the perfect closing for many scenes.

Angie Wineger played the role of Amneris and it was easy to see that she loved the role and was familiar with it. Winegar has played the part before and had a great gasp of her character. Her character was easy not to like in the beginning, but as the show moved on, the growth of her character was evident and it also seemed her voice became stronger as the show progressed. It was delightful to watch her transition and growth.

Bountiful High School senior Brianna Skeen came to the show as an assignment for a class, but was impressed with what she saw. She is involved with musical theater at her school and is familiar with the music. “It is a well-done production. The performers are amazing and they always stay with their characters,” Skeen said. “I feel like it’s perfect and on par with I know,” Skeen said.

Layton resident Donna Walters is a huge “Aida” fan. “I see it wherever I can. I’ve seen in New York, in Salt Lake, in high schools and this is fantastic,” Walters said of the show. She was impressed with the caliber of voices. “This is just a phenomenal community theater,” Walters said. She has noticed how excellent the local talent is.

Walters also appreciated the costuming. “It is different everywhere, in every show. For me, I always love the fashion show. It’s one of my favorite parts, everybody waits for it,” Walter said.

The fashion show was something to see. The bright, shiny costumes mirrored what Egyptians may have dressed like, but with New York runway flair. Sydnie Howard and Janell Roundy worked on costume design together and the work was incredible. Costumes for all characters were elaborate and current.

There was also great imagery on the set, especially during the slave scenes as their work was portrayed in shadows. If was effective. Director Scott Montgomery was able to put it all together. The show works and weaves a beautiful love story that really is a must see. Local theater looked quite professional here.

The show runs daily with the exception of Sunday from now until October 31. For ticket prices and sales visit www.centerpointtheater.org or the box office at 525 North 400 West, Centerville.

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