AIDA Play Review

Scott Cohen

As I end my four year journey through Marlboro High School, there are many things I will look back on and remember with fondness. Some of the many things are hanging out with my friends in the hallways in between classes, the great teachers, and the MHS theater society. Each and every year, they continually put out extremely high quality plays consistently. I have always looked forward to them as they are a great excuse to get together with friends and have an enjoyable night out. This year was no different with their drama, Aida, exceeding expectations. The play tells the story of the Nubian princess, Aida (played by Lauren Mazzara), who was captured and sold into slavery by the invading Egyptians. Luckily, an Egyptian military commander Radames (played by Ryan Schleifman) notices her and decides to give her as a gift to his bride, the future queen of Egypt, Amneris (played by Lara Atry). However, throughout the play Radames falls in love with Aida even though plans are made for him to marry Amneris. To further complicate matters, the Egyptians see the Nubians as below them, and the Nubians do not trust the Egyptians so they have to avoid social obstacles to be together.

The quality of the play is exceptionally high leading to many intense moments throughout the play. Part of this can be attributed to the director and produces, Anthony Greco. After working for many years at Marlboro High School, he knows exactly what to do and when to keep the audience at the edge of their seat at every moment of the play. The chorus should also be given a big round of applause as the intensity would have decreased without the epic music accompanying every moment of the action. Furthermore, the acting of the play was stellar and incredibly believable by the main and supporting cast. They were able to really get into character for the entire play, and were completely convincing the entire time.

With my time at MHS counting down to mere days, I write this article as a final farewell to fun nights with my friends watching the entertaining plays that the MHS theater society is known for.