The Barn Theatre is thrilled to announce an addition to our cast of the upcoming production of Disney’s AIDA.  Jason Workman joins the Barn in the role of Radames, which he played in the first national tour of AIDA! 

Jason’s other Broadway and Tour credits include: Joe Hardy in DAMN YANKEES, Captain Walker in THE WHO’S TOMMY, and John Truitt in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, which earned him a Theatre World Award.  Off-Broadway and Regional roles include: Volodya in BED AND SOFA, for which he won a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Actor, Frank in THE HAUNTED HOST, Mead in SAFE SEX (with Harvey Fierstein), Jason in CLOSER THAN EVER, Lt. Cable in SOUTH PACIFIC, and Fred in HERE’S LOVE.  Jason has made television appearances on KNOTS LANDING, CAROLINE IN THE CITY, ALL MY CHILDREN, and AS THE WORLD TURNS, and film credits include THREESOME, LOVE CHEAT AND STEAL, and EVERY BREATH.

AIDA

Disney’s heart-wrenching timeless love story!

Directed by SCOTT BURKELL

Musical Direction by STEVEN ZUMBRUN

Produced by Brendan Ragotzy

 August 24 at 8:30 and playing through SEPTEMBER 5

Music by Elton John and Lyrics by Tim Rice

Book by Linda Woolverton

 And

 Robert Falls & Henry Hwang

(Augusta, MI) August 24 – September 5  Disney’s AIDA is a Barn Theatre exclusive!  AIDA is the pop music adaptation of Giuseppe Verdi’s 1871 opera of the same name, and has an exhilarating Tony® and GRAMMY® award-winning score by Elton John and Tim Rice, their first collaboration since writing the music for THE LION KING together.

The original Verdi opera follows a story by Egyptologist Mariette Bey, who said it was based on a historical incident, but never pegged the incident to a specific date. Disney’s AIDA takes place during a time of great conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia. The Disney offering offers not just a tragic love triangle, but also comic relief. Unlike Verdi’s opera, which starts with Aida and Radames already in love, this “popera” focuses on how the two unlikely people come to know and understand each other.

In the time of the pharaohs, Egypt ruled the world with an iron fist.  This most privileged and unenlightened nation maintained its position by ravaging neighboring cultures and enslaving their people.  Disney’s AIDA is a heart-wrenching timeless love story entwining the lives of an enslaved Nubian princess, Aida, her doomed love for the captain of the Egyptian guard Radames, and his betrothed Amneris, a spoiled, fashion-conscious, princess with a pea for a brain.  It is love set into motion on the Nile’s shore.             

Taking a break from Broadway’s RENT, where she is currently portraying Mimi, is Karmine Alers who will guest star as Aida, the Nubian princess.  Additional Barn guest stars for AIDA include; Arbender Robinson as Mereb, Rebecca Covington as Nehebka, Quinton Cockrell as Amonasro, and Sean Walton (who was a Barn apprentice in 2002 and was featured” in JOSEPH…as Judah singing the show-stopping song “Benjamin’s Calypso.”)  Brooke Evans, who delighted Barn audiences with her hysterical portrayal of Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS earlier this summer, stars as Amneris, the princess who “would rather wear a barrel than conservative apparel.” Jason Workman (direct from the AIDA national tour), will portray Radames, the hunky object of both princesses’ affection, and Barn favorite Joe Aiello is Radames’ villainous father, Zoser.

The score touches on reggae and gospel, and on all-out rock balladry and the mood is carried by stunning sets and gorgeous costumes.  You will be dazzled by acclaimed and luscious melodies, and enveloped by this story of loyalty, betrayal, love and courage.

The Barn is only the second Equity Professional theatre in the United States to receive permission to perform this spectacular show.  Don’t miss the rare opportunity to see this touching Disney musical!   

Scott Burkell directs, with Steven Zumbrun as Musical Director.  Choreography is by Charlie Misovye, scenic design is by Doug Blickle, lighting designed by Neal M. Kerr, costume design by Goulet Bartholomew, and sound designed by James Stephenson.

The Barn Theatre is located on M-96 West of Augusta.  Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 PM, Saturday at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and Sunday at 5:00 PM.  Tickets are $25.00 Tuesday through Thursday and $27.50 Friday through Sunday.   Visa and MasterCard are accepted.  For tickets call (269) 731-4121.  The box office is open daily from 10:00AM-10:00 PM.

Enjoy refreshments in The Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during intermission and after the show.  There is free cabaret-style show in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge after the main stage performance.

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AIDA

Cast List Update

AIDA.................................................. Karmine Alers

RADAMES........................................ Jason Workman

AMNERIS.......................................... Brooke Evans

MEREB.............................................. Arbender Robinson

ZOSER............................................... Joe Aiello

PHAROAH........................................ Roy Brown

NEHEBKA......................................... Rebecca Covington

AMONASRO.................................... Quinton Cockrell

ENSEMBLE   

Kelley Bray, Ben Bucher, Kate Danielowski, Rick Desloge, Lauren Finnan, Kathryn M. Flynn, Adam C. Kern, Lauren Kuehnle, Adam Laird, Christopher Lengerich, Jon Mazur, Matthew Parker, Eric Petersen, Ryan J Ratliff, Gregg Rehrig, Rachel Simpson, Emily May Smith, Adam Standley, Sean Walton, Megan K. Wean

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CAST BIOS:

Karmine Alers:

A native New Yorker, Karmine is thrilled to be joining the Barn Theatre family.  Karmine is taking a quick break from the Broadway production of RENT after having played the role of Mimi for a year and a half. She also covers 5 roles in the show and will return after her run here as Aida.  Karmine’s theatrical resume includes Lesley Gore’s IT’S MY PARTY and BLOCKS, in which she worked with late RENT composer and former Barnie Jonathan Larson, as well as several regional industrials.  She’s also been seen on the big screen in CARLITO’S WAY and ULTRAVIOLENCE (with Snoop Dogg and Method Man).  Karmine is a singer-songwriter and is working on her album, soon to be released in late September under www.Airgomusic.com.  For more info go to www.Karminealers.com

Brooke Evans:

Brooke is pleased to be back in Augusta for her fourth season.  A native of the Philadelphia area now living in New York, Brooke has performed in several staged readings including Brendan Ragotzy’s OLD TIMER last fall.  She also made her feature film debut with the remake of THE STEPFORD WIVES (with Nicole Kidman and Bette Midler), which ran in theatres this summer.  Prior to her arrival Brooke finished a run of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM with the Storm Theatre company in NYC. Barn patrons will remember Brooke from her many appearances during her apprenticeship, with CAUGHT IN THE NET and PIPPIN heading the list, followed by her prominent appearance as the giant-syringe-totin’ Matron in IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY… her very first Augusta feature. 

Arbender Robinson:

Arbender is very excited to be making his Barn debut! A native of Chicago who now resides in sunny Orlando, Florida, Arbender’s trained at Viterbo College in Lacrosse, WI, where he earned degrees in Theatre and Musical Theatre with minors in both music and dance.  His career has allowed him to travel the U.S., Europe, Canada and the Caribbean. Arbender’s regional credits include FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ, and AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (at Heritage Repertory in Charlottesville, WV), 1776 and JOSEPH… (at Cumberland County Playhouse in Tennessee), as well as stints at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (PA), and the Seaside Music Theatre (FL). He also has been a featured vocalist at Walt Disney World and with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Please visit www.arbender.com and sign the guestbook.

Quinton Cockrell:

Quinton most recently appeared as Hoke in Heritage Repertory Theatre’s (Charlottesville, VA) production of DRIVING MISS DAISY.  Quinton is a native of Birmingham, AL and received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s Professional Actor Training Program.  He has performed with theatre companies throughout the United States, including Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Shakespeare Festival, and Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo, NY. Quinton’s credits are varied and impressive, from Othello in OTHELLO to Saul in TRUE WEST and the Stage Manager in OUR TOWN.  His New York stops include THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, HENRY IV, PART I, and CYMBELINE at Riverside Shakespeare, and THE DUTCHMAN at the John Houseman Theatre.

Joe Aiello:

Joe is pleased to return to the Barn for his 24^th season.  Year after year he has proven his talent and versatility in such roles as Daddy Warbucks in ANNIE, Lee in TRUE WEST, Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Gallimard in M. BUTTERFLY, Merrick in THE ELEPHANT MAN, Mozart in AMADEUS, Albin/ZaZa in LA CAGE AUX FOLLIES, Arthur in CAMELOT, and half the town in both GREATER TUNA, and A TUNA CHRISTMAS.  A gifted director as well, Joe has won accolades for his Barn productions of CHESS, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, SHE LOVES ME, CRIMES OF THE HEART, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, SWEENEY TODD (co-directed with Scott Burkell), and last season’s CABARET.  He lives in New York City and is currently Director of Sales for Match-Tix Group Sales and Promotions and co-owner of Allied/Hit-Tix Inc.  Joe dedicates his season to the memory of Jack Ragotzy.

Rebecca Covington:

Rebecca Covington is proud to be making her Barn Theatre debut.  She hails from Lexington, KY, but is currently enjoying her 4^th year at Belmont University in Nashville, TN.  She was most recently seen in RAGTIME in Charlottesville, VA at the Heritage Repertory Theatre.  Rebecca has appeared as Dorothy in THE WIZ and Anita in WEST SIDE STORY at the Lexington Opera House as well as productions of CRAZY FOR YOU, PIPPIN, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, BYE BYE BIRDIE, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, and OKLAHOMA! throughout the KY and TN region.

Sean Walton:

Sean Walton (Mereb understudy) previously appeared on the Barn stage in 2002 in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN starring Tom Wopat, FOOTLOOSE, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and JOSEPH.  Since then, he's done many different regional productions across the U.S. including GRAND HOTEL (Jimmy), GREASE (Johnny Casino), JUNGLE BOOK (Mowgli), ANGELS IN AMERICA (Belize), and most recently FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE (Little Moe).  Sean originates from St. Louis, although for the past two years, home has been a very large and versatile suitcase.

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