Liberty High School Tackles Spring Musical 'Aida' (Video)

From Egypt to Eldersburg, the Upstagers bring a Disney adaptation of the Verdi opera classic Aida to the Liberty High School Stage.

The tale of Aida is one of forbidden love-- a story about a Nubian princess who is captured and turned into a slave for the Egyptians and later meets a prince who falls in love with her without knowing her identity. 

More than 120 students all have vital roles in this year’s musical, designing everything themselves including the lights, sets and costumes.

"It’s really fantastic because they get to read through the script and decide what they want to do with everything from how our pyramid is going to look, to our set," said Director Tony Cimino.

The Upstagers have "upstaged" themselves this spring, tackling a musical that’s rarely taken on by high school drama clubs.

"Not a lot of high schools tackle Aida because it’s such a hard show to do," said Cimino.

"Our past shows have been very ensemble-based where the ensemble kind of carries the show. This is a lead-based show where the ensemble members aren’t as present in the show. That’s been a challenge to get used to," said Aly Julian, a junior who plays Nehebka, Aida’s right-hand woman. Julian also helped designed costumes with fellow junior Charlotte Duggan.

Liberty High School’s last production of was recognized with 18 critics’ choice awards in the high school CAPPIES program.

This year, Liberty High School became the first school in the county to participate in the International Thespian Society Festival. Their production of Aida will be nationally-adjudicated when two judges fly in to see the performance and decide on whether to invite Liberty to this year’s festival. 

"Twelve schools in the nation get chosen and they have to take their entire show, their set, their costumes, lights-- everything travels to Indiana," said Cimino. "We’re hoping we’re that twelfth school this year."

But no matter what happens, students say the experience has been invaluable.  

"I feel like it’s really strengthened the talent in our group. This didn’t just give us a different experience but it gave us more knowledge of theatre and that’s what we really want," said Julian. "Mr. Cimino is really focused on creating a professional environment for us to thrive in." 

Aida is playing in the Schnorr Auditorium at Liberty High School with performances April 7, 8, 9, 15 and 16, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on April 16.

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting here. Prices are $8 for all ages in advance up to one hour before show time, $10 for students and seniors and $12 for adults at the door.  In addition, advance seating is available for $13 per ticket.

For more information call Liberty High School at (410) 751-3560 or visit the LHS Drama Club website.