Star Tribune - Recommended
"... Director Peter Rothstein uses the full operatic lexicon -- including broad stereotypes and epic images -- to propel his production. The standout numbers from the opening minutes, for example, come from Cat Brindisi as ditzy princess Amneris and Ben Bakken as villainous Zoser. These characters skate on the thin edge of caricature with supreme self-awareness and commitment. Brindisi's confidence grows every time she opens her mouth or vamps like a fool; Bakken, in "Another Pyramid," relishes the gritty skin of Zoser and reminds us that he's among the very best music-theater performers in town.."
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Twin Cities Pioneer Press - Somewhat Recommended
"... Latte Da's "Aida" has the power to entertain but does so mainly via diversion. For all its glitter and impressive volume, this is a production more about style than substance."
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How Was The Show - Recommended
"... Aida (Theater Latté Da performing at the marvelous Pantages, through Jan 27) is a rippingly good show. If you like full-bore, rock-’em-sock-’em musicals, Latté Da delivers the goods. Anchored by a stirring Elton John/Tim Rice score (those soaring love duets!), the ageless story of doomed lovers in ancient Egypt has undeniable power. The militaristic Radames, betrothed for nine years (!) to Princess Amneris, falls in love with the recently captured (and strangely reluctant to escape) Nubian princess Aida. Looove sparks fly and when Amneris, inevitably, susses them out she locks Aida and Radames in a tomb, setting up a boffo Romeo And Juliet/Edgar Allan Poe ending."
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Aisle Say Twin Cities - Recommended
"... In the new production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, the Hennepin Theatre Trust and Theater Latté Da present us with an excellent performance of a deeply problematic musical. The show opens a new collaborative series between the HTT and Latté Da called Broadway Re-Imagined, which casts local Minnesota talent in high-profile Broadway shows under Peter Rothstein‘s direction, rather than relying primarily on touring companies from New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles. It is a smart move, since Aida proves that we have no need to look elsewhere; with the abundance of talent on the Pantages stage, you will quickly forget that this is not the Broadway touring cast."
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