The BYU–Hawaii Theatre Program's winter 2025 musical production, Aida, brought a powerful story of love and cultural conflict to the stage from March 19 to 22. Directed by Dr. Michael Morris, assistant professor in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts and head of the Theatre Program, the musical captivated audiences with its compelling narrative and diverse musical score.
Based on the opera by Giuseppe Verdi and Antonio Ghislanzoni, Aida features music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls, and David Henry Hwang. The show explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the potential for peace between conflicting cultures.
Dr. Morris shared his enthusiasm for the production, emphasizing its musical diversity and thematic relevance, sharing, “I love the music. Elton John has created a beautiful score that blends rock, reggae, contemporary musical theater, and gospel. It’s rich and energetic. There is also a lot of dancing, which I love because I grew up as a dancer and choreographer. This production allowed us to showcase the incredible dance talent at BYU–Hawaii, which is greater than at most universities.”
Nahina Russell, a senior from Arizona majoring in communications, portrayed the title role of Aida. “It’s an honor to be cast as Aida. I’ve learned so much about the character, her history, and the people she represents. Finding similarities between myself and Aida has been an eye-opening experience. I love that this show was chosen for our university because it reflects the diversity of our campus and highlights the Egyptian culture, a culture we don’t often explore. Being part of this production has been like a dream come true.”
Shania Datt, a senior from Fiji majoring in health and human sciences with an emphasis in biology, was part of the ensemble. Datt, who was the choreographer of India Club’s Culture Night 2025 performance and was the former president of the Hip-Hop Club, shares her experience, saying, “It has been intriguing. I’ve done a lot of dancing, but this time, I’m not teaching—I’m learning. I’ve always watched the musicals here, and I promised myself I’d be part of an ensemble before I graduate. Being in this production has been a fun and valuable learning experience. It’s amazing to see so many creative individuals come together to bring a story to life.”
Pono Murray, a senior from Hawaii majoring in Hawaiian studies, was part of the audience and was amazed by the production, saying, “I loved watching the students and seeing how passionate and invested they were about the musical. I was engaged in the story, from their acting to their dancing. The story itself was interesting—to see the love, the different aspects of history, and how it played out. Overall, it was an amazing experience for both the students and everyone who helped bring the musical to life.”
“At its core, the story is about a conflict between two cultures and the possibility of unity through love. That aligns with our mission at BYU–Hawaii of being examples of intercultural peace and unity through the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Dr. Morris said. “The power of love to change lives and usher in a future of peace is deeply moving. Given what’s happening in the world today, the need for peace and understanding is greater than ever.”
Aida was more than just a musical; it was a magnificent showcase of students bringing the power of storytelling, music, and dance to promote unity and understanding. The production further reinforced the university’s mission of cultural harmony through the gospel of Jesus Christ.