On March 24 to 27, over thirty students from Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School performed the MTI school arrangement of Elton John and Time Rice’s ‘AIDA’ to a sold-out crowd.
This famous Broadway production included singing, dancing, stunning costumes, and standout performances by veteran school performers Jessica Blanchard and Randy Schutt who played Aida and Radames respectively. Last year, the duo had leading roles in ACND’s production of ‘Beauty and the Beast.’
Aida begins in the Egyptian wing of a modern museum, where a man and a woman touring the exhibit catch each other’s eyes. Amneris, a female Pharaoh, comes to life and transports the audience to ancient Egypt where an exciting love story unfolds! Celestyn Angot who played Amneris opened the musical with a solo performance of “Every Story is a Love Story.”
The ACND cast began preparing for the production in December while managing a very active tour offering songs and joy to both their school and community at events such as: the ACND annual golf tournament and school masses; and Christmas concert performances for the Miami Jewish Health Systems, Sinai Nursing Homes, University of Miami Massed Honor Choir, and the ACDA Choral Festival. The choir is also adjudicated each year by at Florida Vocal Association/MPA events.
Producing ‘AIDA’ has been a dream come true for director Daphne Dominique. An accomplished singer herself, she sung the play’s song “I Know the Truth” at a church concert years ago. Ms. Dominique states, “I went on to learn about the whole story and fell in love with the songs, the characters and the play.”
In her director’s statement she thanks the cast, crew, and sponsors for making her dream a reality. Monies raised through sponsorship will benefit future Knightingale productions and competition fees. The 2011 sponsorships are: Miami Jewish Health Systems, Masseus Cooling Inc., Julio’s Natural Food Emporium, Alma R. Sanjur, D.O., Go to Sushi Japanese Food, Salsa Central Dance Studio, Biscayne Veterinary Center, Cynthia Lamy Musical Animation, LA Tans & Aesthetic Center, Mac Access, Wullich Audio and Video, and Daphne Dominique, Vocalist for All Occasions.
The Knightingales will perform a few songs from their ‘Aida’ production at the Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School’s Spring Concert where the Troubadours (the school’s instrumental ensemble group) will present Stravinksy’s “The Firebird” narrated by award-winning journalist and ACND alumna, Helen Aguirre Ferre on Thurday, April 14, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door at 7:00 p.m.
Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School
4949 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33137
305.751.8367
www.acnd.net.
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