
DIR/CHOREOGRAPHER: LUIS SALGADO
MUSIC: ELTON JOHN & TIME RICE
STARRING: ACE YOUNG / WONU OGUNFOWORA
SET DESIGN: KATE RANCE
LIGHTING DESIGN: HERRICK GOLDMAN
COSTUME DESIGN: BRAD MUSGROVE
VENUE: KIRKWOOD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
COMPANY: STAGES ST LOUIS
YEAR: 2023
‘That set was one of the best – if not the best – elements of that production.’
KDHX (referencing AIDA)
‘… A fantastic interpretation of Aida. Vibrant colors, dazzling costumes and a palpable sense of confidence envelop the audience, drawing us into a painfully tragic story that feels as timeless as love itself. Aida…offers a chance to immerse yourself in a more intimate production that delivers the feel of a big Broadway show.’
Riverfront Times
‘A stunning technical presentation, “Aida” is a majestic and enthralling musical with moments that will take your breath away…. Both bold and beautiful, “Aida” is a valiant, vibrant effort.‘
Webster Kirkwood Times
‘The concert-like stage and lighting designs are where this production excels…a stage show that’s nothing short of an Egyptian-themed rock concert. There’s a definite vibe takes its cues from that famous album cover for Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon.”…scenic designer Kate Rance and lighting designer Herrick Goldman make great use of pyramid and triangle shapes through which the actors seamlessly move.’
KDHX
‘…An electrifying and visually spectacular production of the hit Broadway musical, “Aida,” in
a presentation filled with dazzling splendor. The story plays out on scenic designer Kate Rance’s collection of
triangles, representing both the complicated loves of Aida, Radames and Amneris, as well as the shape of those famous Egyptian pyramids,’
Ladue News
‘(This) production is spectacular. With a stellar cast and truly spellbinding production values… Technically, this show also dazzles, with all the elements blending together to tell this compelling story. The versatile set, by Kate Rance, features neon pyramids that go along with the bright “glow stick” like rods that are used to great effect… not to be missed.’
Snoop’s Theatre Thoughts
‘The brilliant use of neon triangles…symbolic of the love triangle between Radames, Amneris and Aida, as well as the Egyptian pyramids. Scenic design by Kate Rance and Lighting Design by Herrick Goldman… are sheer genius.’
Flo Valley News
‘This avant-garde production of AIDA juxtaposes a stark and simple set with modern, rock ‘n roll influenced lighting design and orchestrations that bring forward more of the rock elements of the Elton John’s score…There is nothing theatrically traditional about the technical elements of this production.’
Broadway World
Building on our previous successful production of AIDA, I further developed this modular design to incorporate a number of new elements. 3 pairs of graduated stair units could be configured to create different structures and to suggest various architectural elements. LED tubes were employed to great effect, both within the rolling pyramid units and also more architecturally within the theatre, framing the whole space with light. Finally I extended the design onto the proscenium with overlapping sculptural fabric elements suggesting the Nile river and creating a visual representation of the Nubians’ link back to their homeland. Almost every scenic element moved, had lighting built in to its design and could be configured in a number of different ways. All together these elements created an energetic and dynamic playing space that offered some stunning visual moments.
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SCALE MODEL

BUILD & LOAD-IN






PERFORMANCE PHOTOS





