Atlantis stages 'Aida' and 'In the Heights'

MANILA, Philippines – After its hit production of Next to Normal, Atlantis Productions proudly stages the Elton John/Tim Rice pop rock musical Aida and In the Heights, one of the most awarded and critically acclaimed Broadway musicals.

Disney’s Aida is a contemporary musical take on a grand classic tale of the timeless bond between an enslaved Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier. As forbidden love blossoms between them, the young lovers are forced to face death or part forever. Together, they set a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity.

With a pop rock score that features stirring ballads and rousing choral numbers, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida is a modern crowd pleaser that won four Tony Awards including Best Original Score. It will be directed by Chari Arespacochaga and will feature Rachel Alejandro as Amneris. Additional casting will be announced soon. The Manila engagement of Aida is made possible through MTI and Disney Theatricals.

Rachel Alejandro has taken on some of the finest roles in musicals with Atlantis Productions. She has played Mimi in Rent, Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q, and Kira/Clio in Xanadu. She is excited now to take on the role of Amneris.

In the Heights, with its hip-hop, salsa, merengue and soul music infused score by Lin Manuel Miranda, took Broadway by storm when it opened in 2008 garnering an astounding 13 Tony Award nominations and winning four Tony Awards including the Tony Award for Best Musical.

In the Heights tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood — a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.

In the Heights star Lin Manuel Miranda, Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga. Arespacochaga says, “I am delighted that Atlantis is finally doing Aida. And I am equally delighted to have wonderfully talented actors that will give life to this story about a love so true it lives beyond its time. It is a heartbreaking and inspiring story set to such lush, haunting, beautiful music.”

Directed by Bobby Garcia, the Manila production of In the Heights marks the first internationally licensed production of the show. Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga recently had lunch in New York with Lin Manuel Miranda, In the Heights’ Tony Award-winning performer, lyricist and composer. Garcia says, “Lin is really excited for our production and knows how talented the Filipino performer is. He hopes he can make it to Manila for opening night to see a brand-new production of In the Heights!”

In the Heights recently closed on Broadway after a hit three-year run and continues on its North American Tour. A film is also currently in pre-production. In the Heights is made possible through a special licensing arrangement with the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization and Broadway Asia Entertainment. Garcia says, “I really want to thank Lin Manuel Miranda, Ted Chapin, Simone Genatt-Haft and everyone at the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization and Broadway Asia Entertainment for trusting us with In the Heights. I can’t wait to stage this musical about friendship, family and home in Manila in September.”

A limited number of shows are also now available for show-buying and fund-raising opportunities with excellent returns on your investment. Aida and In the Heights are the perfect shows to raise money for your organization, foundation or charity. Don’t miss out on this chance to be a part of one of two of the most exciting musicals of the decade.

For information, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.