BWW Reviews: AIDA, the Larger-Than-Life Verdi Opera, Comes to the Met for Another Season

Aida has been among the most popular operas in the Met's repertory since the "German Seasons" in the 1880s and this season's production follows suit.  This Sonja Frisell 1988 production of a classic Verdi opera left the audience feeling a wide range of emotions from beginning to end.  From the vast Egyptian landscapes to the extraordinary musical talents, Aida at the Met this season is a production to remember.

From the moment the curtain rises, Štefan Kocán (Ramfis) commands the stage with his rich bass tones and sinister appearance.  Very quickly appears a Metropolitan Opera favorite, Roberto Alagna, to perform his demanding opening aria, "Celeste Aida" filled with heartfelt agility to produce a solid performance right from the beginning, demonstrating his resonant top notes. 

A glorious Met debut for Liudmyla Monastyrska who brings a full bodied and mature soprano voice to the title role.  A native of Kiev, Ukraine, Ms. Monastyrska's commandingly huge voice was alluring both when emoting over the entire chorus sound in Act II as well as in the softer moments in Acts III and IV.

Scott Frost is a Production and Stage Manager and a Freelance Costume Designer. In addition to being a theatrical manager and designer he currently works for Music Theatre International, the leader in the theatrical licensing industry, specializing in Broadway, Off-Broadway and West End musicals.