Ogden Musical Theatre Presents ‘Aida’ for Peery Egyptian Theater’s Centennial

An Egyptian princess is torn between love and duty to her country in this Tony-award-winning Broadway production by Elton John and Tim Rice.

NEWS

Image provided by Peery’s Egyptian Theater

Ogden, UT – Ogden Musical Theatre’s (OMT) “Aida” is next in a series of events celebrating the 100th anniversary of Peery’s Egyptian Theater in Ogden. The summer production of the Elton John and Tim Rice pop opera will run from Friday, July 26 through Aug. 10.

Set in ancient Egypt, “Aida” tells the story of a Nubian princess who falls in love with an Egyptian soldier betrothed to the Pharoah’s daughter. As war begins, Aida must choose between her love and loyalty to her people.

The Broadway production opened in 2000, winning four Tony Awards and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Album.

OMT’s production of “Aida” features a talented and diverse cast, directed by Mark Daniels, with musical direction by Jake Heywood and choreography by Lindsey Poll. Dawn L. Troupe, who played Aida in the first West Coast production, traveled to Ogden to share her expertise with the cast.

"This production of 'Aida' is not only a tribute to timeless love and cultural heritage but also a celebration of the rich history and legacy of Peery's Egyptian Theater," said Executive Producer Kassi Bybee in a press release. "We are thrilled to mark this milestone with such a spectacular show."

“Aida” is a fitting choice to celebrate Ogden’s historic Egyptian Theater’s 100 years. The discovery of King Tut in 1922 sparked nationwide interest in Egyptian Revival architecture, with at least 100 Egyptian-themed theaters built in the U.S. during the silent film era. The Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, California was first to be built in 1922. 

Peery’s Egyptian Theater was the third to open in 1924. By the 1980s, the grand movie palace had deteriorated to a dollar movie theater destined for demolition after county authorities shut it down for health code violations. A group of Ogden citizens, now the Egyptian Theatre Foundation, saved the theater from the wrecking ball and with community support restored its original beauty. 

Peery’s Egyptian Theater is one of seven original Egyptian-style movie palaces still standing in the United States. Today it houses countless performing arts events, theater productions, film screenings, concerts, and more.

Founded in 2017, Ogden Musical Theatre’s past summer productions include Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie Get Your Gun, Peter Pan, Into The Woods, Shrek The Musical, and The Music Man. 

OMT’s “Dracula” and “The 1940s Radio Hour” are coming later this year.

“Aida” opens Friday, July 26 through Aug. 10. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Saturday shows are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

For tickets and information visit www.ogdenpet.com or the Peery's Egyptian Theater box office.