New and enthusiastic guest director Brandon Kruhm goes over logistics with the ensemble of Elton John’s and Tim Rice’s Aida, explaining the process of rehearsal in musical theater productions.

“Things I tell you will change and I’m going to give you different sets of directions that will be confusing… ,” he said of the tedious yet gratifying days ahead of them. “But we’ll just have to work through it until we get it right.”

There were some looks of what almost could be portrayed as fear in the ensemble as he continued to explain the need for commitment from each and every show member, including the tech and set crew.

Some of the cast looked doubtful about their days ahead, and side conversations broke out; there was a distant sound of fiddling hands and shuffling feet.

I began to wonder how “impressive” rehearsals would be with the conflicting attitudes and the “I just finished school and I’m exhausted” atmosphere in the Black-Box Theatre itself.

But as soon as the overture music began, side conversations were silenced, the mood inside the theatre transformed, and everyone entered the stage with perfect focus and ease.

Brandon Kruhm, guest director of Aida, goes over logistics with the ensemble. September 18 2013. Photographer: Tess Hezlep

I had been terribly wrong about doubting them. I knew, at that moment, that the production was going to be absolutely fascinating. Every single person was immersed in character; the entire cast understood their objectives as actors.

In particular, the “Ladies in Waiting” and the character Amneris, played by senior Lauren Anderson, captivated my attention with their melodies, their angelic voices and their graceful Egyptian poses as they sang, “Every Story is a Love Story.”

This production of Aida, scheduled Nov. 7-9 with a potential showing on Nov. 10, continues in rehearsal as this intimate group of people progress and perfect their craft of acting, singing and performing.

For more information about Aida go to http://www.sagehillschool.org/studio?rc=0.

Tickets will be available here.

Click here for a full cast list.

Brandon Kruhm, guest director of Aida, talks to sophomore Sydney Lake. September 23 2013. Photographer: Tess Hezlep.