Elton John pop in Verdi classic 'Aida'

Get ready to be swept away to the lush landscape of ancient Egypt along the banks of the Nile where a man and woman carry on a forbidden love against a backdrop of turmoil between their two countries.

The musical "Aida" will carry viewers through a story of betrayal and passion, courage and loyalty. And, as the directors describe it, "Aida" is the story of the kind of trouble love can get you into.

This Village Theatre production of "Aida" opens tonight at the Everett Performing Arts Center and runs through July 27.

The story is set in Egypt where the headstrong Princess Aida, daughter of the king of Nubia, is captured by Egyptian Capt. Radames. The captain is intrigued by Aida's character and engulfed in her beauty, but he doesn't know that she is a princess. He saves her from a hard life working in the mines and, instead, gives her over to his future bride, Egyptian Princess Amneris, to be her handmaiden.

But Radames and Aida are drawn to each other. They eventually fall in love, behind the back of Amneris. Though their love is binding, Radames and Aida are from two different worlds, and that truth becomes tragically clear in the end when Aida's secret is discovered and the couple's love revealed.

The story is based on Guiseppi Verdi's opera. It's now been distinctly updated by the pop sounds of Elton John, who wrote the music. The lyrics were written by Tim Rice.

Remember this is the team that brought us "The Lion King." The music for "Aida," however, is much more stylistic and complex. In "Aida," there may not be the kind of songs you want to hum to yourself, such as "Hakuna Matata," or that loop in your head, such as "I Just Can't Wait to be King." But the songs form an eclectic selection.

That selection includes "Another Pyramid" a modern reggae number, "The Gods Love Nubia," which draws on gospel sounds, and a doo-wop number called "My Strongest Suit," which is a fun, toe-tapper sung wonderfully by Amneris and draws heavily on Motown.

Others that reflect Elton John's pop style are "Not Me," "Elaborate Lives," "A Step Too Far" and "Written in the Stars."

Though this score may take some time to warm up to, the Village Theatre cast performs them exceptionally well. Pay particular attention to the beautiful voice of Trent Saunders, who plays Mereb; he's one of the strongest male singers in the cast.

All in all, "Aida" is an exotic ride complete with sexy Nubian dancers, lusty interludes and the brilliance of Elton John. It's all entertaining.