Photo Flash: Zakiya Young and Paul Nolan Star in KC Starlight Theatre's AIDA, Opening Tonight, 8/3

Starlight Theatre presents Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA, winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical Score and Best Book, opening tonight, August 3 and running through August 12 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Get a first look at Zakiya Young and Paul Nolan onstage below!

AIDA tells an epic story of forbidden love between an enslaved Nubian princess, Aida, and an Egyptian soldier, Radames. Elton John's instantly recognizable melodies and lyrics by the award-winning Tim Rice (Evita, Beauty and the Beast, Jesus Christ Superstar) bring exhilarating energy to the plot based on Verdi's opera of the same name. Sir John and Sir Rice also collaborated to create the Disney and Broadway smash hit, The Lion King.

In addition to Best Original Score, AIDA won the Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical (Heather Headley), Best Scenic Design (Bob Crowley, also nominated for Costume Design), and Best Lighting Design (Natasha Katz). The production also won a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. The music is eclectic with a mix of Elton John's pop style, African, Indian and Middle Eastern influences. Audiences will also hear a modern reggae number and a little Motown mixed in.

The talented cast includes Zakiya Young (Aida), Paul Nolan (Radames), Chelsea Packard (Amneris), Justin Keyes (Mereb), John Antony (Zoser), Kip Niven (Pharaoh), Stacey Robinson (Amonasro) and Allysa Shorte (Nehebka). Ensemble cast includes Meredith Akins, Kelly Buck, Bianca Burgess, Stephanie Cain, Amanda Galang, Alison Jantzie, Jolina Javier, Eric Sean Fogel (dance captain), Julius Chase, Richard Riaz Yoder, Leeds Hill, Antuan Raimone, Kevin Santos, and Maurice Sims. The Teen Ensemble members are Madison Calhoun, Joy Donnelly, Emmy Hadley, Madelaine Heigele, Jacob Bogart, Grayson Yockey and Dashawn Young.

The creative team for AIDA includes Mark Madama (director), Michele Lynch (choreographer), Anthony Edwards (musical director), Charlie Morrison (lighting designer), and Braxton Cornelius (sound designer).

For tickets, scheduling and more information, visit www.kcstarlight.com.