Clearwater Academy International's Production Of Aida--A Review

Every time I think they’ve reached the height of what’s possible for a high school stage show, they prove me wrong. Clearwater Academy International’s newest performance Aida, is perhaps the most ambitious and mature outing from the now venerated cast and crew.

The play itself is about love and war in Ancient Egypt—with music by Elton John and Tim Rice. And because of this, the music is phenomenal and varied in its intensity, length, and genre. Beginning with a slow build to a rock song, and later on containing both a haunting and spectacular group number with “The Gods Love Nubia,” and my favorite slow song in a play since I saw Phantom of the Opera with “Elaborate Lives,” performed by the two leads.

And while I’m on them...just...wow. Those two, are incredible. Awe-inspiring at what they are capable of. The actress playing the titular Aida’s singing alone makes the play worth seeing again, and again, and again. As does the stage presence and acting of the male lead playing Radames.

But they weren’t the only one’s worthy of pages of praise. The actress playing Amneris, in her senior year performance, showed that not only is she capable of playing a crowd-pleasing comedic character, but also a striking and tragic one. Balancing so effortlessly on that knife edge that it was a seamless transition as the play progressed.

It left me with multiple emotions, all bleeding into each other, managing to surprise and delight and even unnerve me with the right moments, and the right techniques.

And I could go on praising, I could commend the tech crew, the ensemble, Clearwater Academy’s director and everything she has done for the performing arts. But in the interest of time, I’ll leave with just one more thing.

The arts are important. They teach lessons studies can’t, and build relationships. They leave lasting bonds and ignite a fervor for creation in the people that touch it.

And I can’t wait to see what Clearwater Academy International has in store for its next production. And what new stars will begin to shine.

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If you liked this article, you can read more of Brandon Scott’s work over at The Hive, or on his website: www.coolerbs.com.