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Aida

West Valley Light Opera

November 4-December 2, 2006

Avg. Event Rating (3.6 Stars): Add Review/Comment

Aida is a musical love story set in ancient Egypt and bursting with contemporary energy. It tells of the love triangle between two Princesses and an Egyptian soldier they both love. Based on the opera by Guiseppe Verdi, Aida is an epic and classic tale of love, loyalty, betrayal and courage with an exhilarating award-winning score by Elton John and Tim Rice. DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $20-$24

• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  November 4-December 2, 2006

  Times:
  Fri-Sat: 8pm
  Sun: 2:30pm

• Venue Info

  Saratoga Civic Theater

  13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070

  Full map and directions

• Accessibility Info

  • Assisted Listening System
  • Wheelchair Access

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate. However it's a good idea to visit the official website or call the venue to verify the information.

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  • Event Name: Aida
    "A show to see!"
    Review posted by: Fieryo from San Jose, Ca, Nov 21, 2006
    

    I have seen two performances WVLO's "AIDA". I felt that the performance by all actors was amazing. The Amneris had a beautiful voice, talented, and was stunning (especially with all that glitter).... Expand

    I have seen two performances WVLO's "AIDA". I felt that the performance by all actors was amazing. The Amneris had a beautiful voice, talented, and was stunning (especially with all that glitter). "Strongest Suit" was fun and sexy. Then in the second act I found my self close to tears in "I know the Truth". Aida I believed as a strong princess confused by love. Also the Aida felt passionately about her character. Although I would also have to agree with another reviewer about Rademes' actor. I also saw two sides of his performances. The first night was a little weaker and lacking and the other night he was full of energy and emotion The ensemble was absolutely amazing. The girls in "Strongest Suit" and also the "Dance of the Robe", "Gods Love Nubia" and "Basket Head" numbers were all incredibly beautiful to watch. The set for Aida was also very pleasing to see with the details in the drops. Aida isn't one of my favorite musicals but overall the show is definitely a must see. Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Mareb Outstanding"
    Review posted by: Not Me! from San Jose, CA, Nov 20, 2006
    

    I found Aida thoroughly enjoyable. For my first show at WVLO, I am impressed by the quality of staging, singing, and directing for a community theater. I'll be back. By the way, Eric Claravall was... Expand

    I found Aida thoroughly enjoyable. For my first show at WVLO, I am impressed by the quality of staging, singing, and directing for a community theater. I'll be back. By the way, Eric Claravall was simply outstanding as Mareb. I have seen the show twice now, and I am amazed that a "beginner" has such range, poise, and presence. What a find for wvlo. I read his bio..... give up the pursuit of a PhD, Eric.... Broadway beckons! Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Definite bright spots"
    Comment posted by: Becky from Sunnyvale, CA, Nov 20, 2006
    

    Up front, I should say that I saw West Valley's "Aida" because I was curious to see what all the fuss on Artsopolis was about. I don't like this kind of show, so I don't think it's fair for me to... Expand

    Up front, I should say that I saw West Valley's "Aida" because I was curious to see what all the fuss on Artsopolis was about. I don't like this kind of show, so I don't think it's fair for me to assign a star rating. That said, this production of the show had definite bright spots. Tracy Camp sings with richness and power as Aida, and she really commanded the stage. I also enjoyed Greg Goebel's performance as Zoser. I imagine that the evil nature of the character could lead an actor to go over the top, but Greg had a nice subtlety that lent humanity to the role. Also, the sets were gorgeous and the lighting was dazzling -- some of the best lighting I've seen in community theater. Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Artsopolis and negative reviews"
    Comment posted by: Ron, from Artsopolis from San Jose, CA, Nov 19, 2006
    

    Greetings, all. Ron from Artsopolis here. Our staff has spent a good deal of time discussing the "Aida" reviews. Reviews are a new feature; we were sure there would be some questions as we went along.... Expand

    Greetings, all. Ron from Artsopolis here. Our staff has spent a good deal of time discussing the "Aida" reviews. Reviews are a new feature; we were sure there would be some questions as we went along. Positive reviews, of course, don't cause any problems. But with negative reviews, we encounter subjective questions involving free speech, politeness, and intent. Our guidelines do clearly state that reviewers should not use names when posting something negative, and several comments violated this. Those comments have now been edited, and individual names have been removed. Personally, I'm sorry that they were posted before editing, and I hope the community will see it as growing pains on a positive new feature. Moving forward, one poster put it well: "Be specific about compliments but general about dislikes." We will continue to monitor (and in some cases edit) all posts, following our guidelines. THANK YOU for your passionate participation; it is helping us to grow as an arts community. Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Preconceptions"
    Review posted by: Rebecca from Morgan Hill, CA, Nov 18, 2006
    

    It is too bad that we often carry preconceptions as to what a character looks like when we revisit a familiar show. For example, who says that Dorothy has to have brown pigtails when she visits OZ.... Expand

    It is too bad that we often carry preconceptions as to what a character looks like when we revisit a familiar show. For example, who says that Dorothy has to have brown pigtails when she visits OZ. She could just as easily be blond. It shows a lack of creative insight on the part of the audience to insist that every actor who plays a particular role look like a carbon copy of the last actor or actress they saw in the role. I felt that Ashley Little did an excellent job in her role as Amneris and was the standout performer of the evening. Her touching love song in the second half of the show was that of an accomplished performer and had more than a few members of the audience wiping away a tear. All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Aida and Radames had a nice chemistry and the ensemble was enthusiastic. Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Great talent, fun, but not my favorite story"
    Review posted by: LB from San Jose, CA, Nov 18, 2006
    

    I went on opening night, got half price tickets so I didn't have the best seat, but overall I thought the leads were great...the best you will find in community theater. David Jackson and Ashley... Expand

    I went on opening night, got half price tickets so I didn't have the best seat, but overall I thought the leads were great...the best you will find in community theater. David Jackson and Ashley Little have incredible vocal talents and could probably make it professionally. The costumes were terrific and I was very impressed with the set designs. I really don't love the story line of Aida, it is sad at times, but overall it was a very entertaining show. Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Refreshing & energetic"
    Review posted by: I liked it! from San Jose, CA, Nov 17, 2006
    

    I really enjoyed WVLO's Aida. I have seen 2 of the performances and found the show to be well worth it. Both female leads were a joy to watch. Ashley Little tended to steal every scene she was in.... Expand

    I really enjoyed WVLO's Aida. I have seen 2 of the performances and found the show to be well worth it. Both female leads were a joy to watch. Ashley Little tended to steal every scene she was in. Tracy Camp was a nice Aida. Both of her performances suggest that the cast can always count on her for a strong show. I did like David Jackson as Radames but saw 2 completely different performances by him. One night was far better than the other, especially in regard to vocals. However, the meat of Aida is the ensemble. These were by far the best musical numbers. From the fun and flirtatious "Strongest Suit" to the passionate "Gods Love Nubia", I was impressed. And the basket/washing scene was very cool...quite beautiful. I recommend the show. Hopefully, you don't see a weak night. :) Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Honest Review? Yes; Picking on Individuals? No"
    Comment posted by: Online Reviews for Dummies from Anytown, AT 55555, Nov 15, 2006
    

    I'm not suggesting that people need to be anything but honest in their reviews, but that negative comments about individuals 1)serve no purpose in recommending or not recommending a show to others,... Expand

    I'm not suggesting that people need to be anything but honest in their reviews, but that negative comments about individuals 1)serve no purpose in recommending or not recommending a show to others, 2)are contrary to the Artsopolis guidelines for reviews/comments, and 3)suggest a possible bias and maybe envy on the part of the reviewer. There seems to be an unusual amount of individual trashing in the Aida reviews compared to reviews of other shows. Although, I did notice that someone had the gall to criticize the children in AMTSJ's The King and I. It isn't dishonest to be specific about compliments but general about dislikes; it's polite. To say something like, "I found the cast to be uneven, but enjoyed the performance of Footsoldier #7 quite a bit" is sufficient without being mean. A reviewer probably only sees one of a dozen or more performances of a production. There's no need to take a shot at an individual performer who might be bad or might just be having an off night. Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Leading Elaborate Lives"
    Review posted by: BubbaBear from San Jose, CA, Nov 15, 2006
    

    I think some people are being very unfair with their reviews. I had the opportunity to see this show on Preview and Opening night. I feel that the leads have very strong voices and that this... Expand

    I think some people are being very unfair with their reviews. I had the opportunity to see this show on Preview and Opening night. I feel that the leads have very strong voices and that this production is high quality. As a director, there are some choices regarding blocking (and choreographer) that I would have done differently but I wouldn't say the show was BAD because of this. People always complain that community theater shows are not reviewed enough and THIS is the reason why it shouldn't. Everyone has different tastes and no one really knows how to review a show. AIDA is one of the better shows that has been done in that theater in a while and we should be happy that WVLO is taking a chance with something different. And remember, this IS community theater. We are not getting paid. We are doing this for fun. There is NO reason to be so mean to these people that are giving up their time and energy to do something they like. Artsoplis needs to STOP these reviews. Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Review for yourself and use your own artistic knowledge!"
    Comment posted by: Supporter of the Arts from New York Transplant, Nov 15, 2006
    

    All who review any type of theatre need to remember that it is an art. Theatre is an interpretation of various artists' involvements. Were the actors in this show naked? Did they sing in the dark? Was... Expand

    All who review any type of theatre need to remember that it is an art. Theatre is an interpretation of various artists' involvements. Were the actors in this show naked? Did they sing in the dark? Was the stage empty? Did you even hear anything! Costumer, director, voical director, set designer, light designer, sound designer, choreographer, band, and many other artists were involved. These reviewers have completely forgotten how to be entertained artistically! Aida is not a "happy" show, it's a tragedy and not a "Disney" production like the children's theatre and other theares' interpretation. Aida is a light opera, please don't forget about living art. Perhaps reviewers were uncomfortable with the sadness and emotional parts that we are not use to in musical theatre. Please be independent, spend some money on art and judge the whole production with your own artistic knowledge! Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "honest review"
    Comment posted by: Eric from Anytown, AT 55555, Nov 13, 2006
    

    I have to disagree Online Reviews for Dummies 100%. Everyone has a right to their own opinion and I have been an actor myself for as long as you as well and I was not impressed with the show. You... Expand

    I have to disagree Online Reviews for Dummies 100%. Everyone has a right to their own opinion and I have been an actor myself for as long as you as well and I was not impressed with the show. You could also look at it like this. The one's giving it great review are the actors or actors family that were a part of the production. I LOVE Aida and I did see a children's theatre put on the same production that blew away WVLO so that speaks for itself. There was definitely some high points in the production but would I recommend it? No way! Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    ""Pay No Attention To The Reviewer Behind The Curtain""
    Comment posted by: Online Reviews for Dummies from Anytown, AT 55555, Nov 13, 2006
    

    I think there may be some sour grapes being thrown at the Aida cast by these online reviewers. One review whines that a performer is good, but looks wrong for the part; the next review complains that... Expand

    I think there may be some sour grapes being thrown at the Aida cast by these online reviewers. One review whines that a performer is good, but looks wrong for the part; the next review complains that someone looks right for the part, but isn't good enough. I am a professional actor with over twenty years experience reading my reviews in newpapers (I'm only recently in this area and have never been reviewed online), and the only reviewer that ever would say that so-and-so wasn't "right for the role" was a local actress who never got cast. The reviewers who had no ties to the theater community would never trash a particular performer. I suspect that people who would bother to go on Artsopolis to criticize a specific person's performance are thinking, "I could have done better than that." And as you may suspect, anyone like me who would bother to defend against these nasty online reviews is probably a friend of someone who did get cast. So, basically, suspect bias in these comments. Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "uhhh....."
    Review posted by: Barbra from San Jose, CA USA, Nov 12, 2006
    

    I thought this show was very poorly cast. I agree with others saying that some stand out moments were there, but many people were wrong for their parts.

    I thought this show was very poorly cast. I agree with others saying that some stand out moments were there, but many people were wrong for their parts.

  • Event Name: Aida
    "disappointed"
    Review posted by: Judy from Saratoga, Nov 11, 2006
    

    Although Aida is a hard show to cast I was disappointed with the casting of a few of the roles. WVLO if I was to give them any critical advice it would be to take a risk on other bay area performers.... Expand

    Although Aida is a hard show to cast I was disappointed with the casting of a few of the roles. WVLO if I was to give them any critical advice it would be to take a risk on other bay area performers. I am frankly bored with looking at the same talent in all their shows. I personally would rather listen to someone that can sing the part than look at someone that looks the part. Good luck with the next show and TAKE A RISK! Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Read The Guidelines - No Names in Negative Comments"
    Review posted by: Another Nobody Theater Critic from An Audience in CA, Nov 11, 2006
    

    Please, Folks! When you're making negative comments, follow the rules -- no names. The pros like Debbie Boone should accept that it comes with the territory, but the performers at the community... Expand

    Please, Folks! When you're making negative comments, follow the rules -- no names. The pros like Debbie Boone should accept that it comes with the territory, but the performers at the community theater level are volunteers working on their craft, and insulting them by name is mean and serves no purpose in this forum. People want to read what you thought of the overall production, and a few specific compliments are nice to add. So, my review? The quality of the overall production was what I expect for $25. The sets were nice. The choreography of the laundry scene was particularly good. Ashley Little and David Jackson as Amneris and Radames sang their roles very well and had good stage presence. Tracy Camp as Aida was passionate and dynamic with a nice, strong voice. Like other reviewers here, I have also seen several recent productions of Aida including a professional one in Sacramento. I think Tracy Camp's interpretation of this character is the most interesting I've seen. Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "A Nice Try"
    Review posted by: Marie from San Jose, CA, Nov 09, 2006
    

    I was very happy to see WVLO step out of their comfort zone with this musical, and probably would have rated it higher if I hadn't already seen Aida done by several other theater companies. There were... Expand

    I was very happy to see WVLO step out of their comfort zone with this musical, and probably would have rated it higher if I hadn't already seen Aida done by several other theater companies. There were too many weak areas in the direction and performance that stood out to someone very familiar with the show. A director can only cast from the people who audition, however, so perhaps they did the best they could, but it was disappointing to me that the acting, dancing, and singing that I've seen in YOUTH theater productions of Aida just blew these performers away. Amneris actually did an excellent job, but looked so wrong for the role that I just couldn't buy her character. And I probably would have liked Aida more if I hadn't seen the role acted so much better by others. Still, it was a pleasure to see the show again and listen to that wonderful score. Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Truely wonderful show"
    Review posted by: Julia from San Jose, CA USA, Nov 08, 2006
    

    My husband and I really enjoyed Aida and the quality of this amazing production. The talented cast captured our hearts and the music was beautiful. I reccommend this show for all ages.

    My husband and I really enjoyed Aida and the quality of this amazing production. The talented cast captured our hearts and the music was beautiful. I reccommend this show for all ages.

  • Event Name: Aida
    "I disagree completely"
    Review posted by: Kathy from San Jose, Nov 08, 2006
    

    After reading the comment left by Lin...i must say i completely disagree. This show was wonderful and very well done. For a WVLO producition...this stands out beyond the norm. The lighting and set... Expand

    After reading the comment left by Lin...i must say i completely disagree. This show was wonderful and very well done. For a WVLO producition...this stands out beyond the norm. The lighting and set design were exceptional and although at times voice fell through the cracks and stage direction seemed lacking...the cast compensated with their passion and ability to carry the story. I was wowed all the way through and loved it. Amneris was fab but as well as Aida ...although not a flawless and pretty voice...it completely fit the character and with all the passion in her voice and acting, I thought it was perfect. As well I must give my praise to some of the ensemble girls, in particular the Breigh Zack and Danielle Najmeh (referring to my program) for their great spark on the stage. I was drawn to them in almost every number they were in. Great job on basketheads as a whole...i loved that number. Overall, I give this show great reviews and would recommend it all. Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Needs work"
    Review posted by: Terry from San Jose, CA, Nov 07, 2006
    

    A pleasant devation from the norm from WVLO, but I wonder if they should have stayed in their comfort zone. However, Tracy Camp is a shining example of focus. She is true to the character and... Expand

    A pleasant devation from the norm from WVLO, but I wonder if they should have stayed in their comfort zone. However, Tracy Camp is a shining example of focus. She is true to the character and comes across as honest and strong. Just not enough \"kudos\" to save this show. Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Really enjoyed it"
    Review posted by: Debbie Shinn from Santa Clara, Nov 07, 2006
    

    Not sure why the other reviewer was so harsh, but my husband and I saw this show on opening night, and thought it was wonderful. Very different from what West Vally Light Opera normally does! There... Expand

    Not sure why the other reviewer was so harsh, but my husband and I saw this show on opening night, and thought it was wonderful. Very different from what West Vally Light Opera normally does! There were a couple of bumps along the way, but I thought the woman playing Amneris was especially good. If you'd like to see a more "modern" musical than what West Valley usually produces, I'd recommend this show. Collapse

  • Event Name: Aida
    "Average, But With a Few Nice Moments"
    Review posted by: Lin from San Jose, CA, Nov 05, 2006
    

    Kudos to WVLO for trying to do a more contemporary, gritty musical....a step up from their usual fare. Highpoints included a wonderful orchestra & musical direction, decent sets, & a nice choral sound... Expand

    Kudos to WVLO for trying to do a more contemporary, gritty musical....a step up from their usual fare. Highpoints included a wonderful orchestra & musical direction, decent sets, & a nice choral sound from the ensemble. The stage direction, unfortunately, was very uneven (the abduction of the Nubians, for example, was about as menacing as a kindergarten picnic),& the choreography was appalling -- poorly conceived and executed. "My Strongest Suit" was an embarrassment. Too many scenes had characters standing around without something specific to do, so opportunities for clever, stylized movement were lost. The featured performers were adequate if not memorable. Needs polish, but a good effort. Collapse

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