On April 25, WJ S*T*A*G*E will open its spring musical and final show of the 2013-2014 school year, Elton John’s “Aida.”

The musical revolves around the conflict between ancient Egypt and Nubia, in which Aida, the princess of Nubia, is taken hostage along with other Nubians, and held as a slave in Egypt. However, her identity is initially kept secret.

Radames, the captain of the Egyptian guard, is in line to become the next pharaoh of Egypt, as he is engaged to Amneris, the daughter of the current pharaoh. Despite his engagement, Radames falls in love with Aida, and is forced to choose between following his heart or adhering to the succession of Egypt. In turn, Aida must decide whether to choose Radames or help free her fellow captives.

Senior Ivanna Barrientos and junior Amanda Tang will portray the role of Aida, with Barrientos performing on Friday nights, and Tang on Saturday nights.

“[Aida] is just a very strong character,” said Barrientos. “She changes people in the ways that they see things, like [when] she changes Radames and inspires hope in her people.”

S*T*A*G*E veteran and senior Joe Kappeler, who portrays Radames, elaborates, stating that Radames becomes more “calm” as the storyline progresses. However, Kappeler believes that Radames, is “conceited,” “narcissistic” and “power-hungry” in the beginning of the musical.

“I think the important thing about Radames is the way that Aida influences him,” said Kappeler. “He becomes enthralled with Aida because he’s bored with the fact that [his fiancée] Amneris doesn’t really care for anything other than herself [and] her clothing.”

The role of Radames is also double cast, with Kappeler and junior Bradley Stein alternating performance nights.

Junior Stefanos Nickoloff, who portrays Amonasro, Aida’s father, explained that his character is a key figure in Aida’s life, as she frequently references him. He also notes that as a Nubian, Amonasro doesn’t have a lot of experience with the Egyptian people, and thus considers them to be “blood-hungry barbarians.”

“When he learns that there might be an Egyptian in his daughter’s life he gets very angry,” he said.

“Aida,” which was originally based off of an opera by the same name, will incorporate an eclectic mix of musical genres, including rock, pop and various ethnic influences.

“The music is so good,” said Barrientos. “I think I listened to the soundtrack six or seven times in one day. And the pit [orchestra] sounds great.”

Nickoloff enjoys how the dance choreography and music work together.

“The music can be very, very, very powerful,” he said. “Even without listening to the lyrics, you can feel what the characters are going through, just by looking at their movements, looking at their expressions.”

While many other high schools put on musicals that center around American culture, such as “Oklahoma!” or “West Side Story,” “Aida” is a unique cultural and musical fusion.

“‘Aida’ [is] so different [than other shows]. What makes it different is its balance and its mixture between ancient Egypt and rock,” said Kappeler.

Barrientos also discussed the differences between the plots of “Aida” and of other musicals. 

“It’s not a typical love story,” she said. “It’s a story about love towards your country, [and] balancing that with someone that you love romantically. It’s a breather from the classic musicals that you know.”

Opening day is roughly two weeks away, but some elements of the musical, such as costumes and the set, are still coming together. S*T*A*G*E crew covers costumes, curtains, make up, lighting, publicity and the construction of the set.

“We are where we should be in the process,” said Barrientos. “We just have to put the little finishing touches on [the show].”

Barrientos, Kappeler and Nickoloff all agree that the show is coming together.

“We always get it done,” said Nickoloff. “It’s going to be great.”

Tickets are available for purchase at wjstage.com or at the box office before the show. Show nights are April 25 and 26, and May 2 and 3.