GABRIEL FIRESTONE SCENIC DESIGN​​​
Disney's AIDA the musical
strongest suit fortune favors the brave
aida scenic design
![Pre-show](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_b380ead86e6544a8b73b8f45f356b772.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_b380ead86e6544a8b73b8f45f356b772.jpeg)
Audience enters to see hieroglyphic papyrus scrim with curtain warmers.
![Every Story is a Love Story](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_b16c88745beb4c4cb1500ee0486dfa54.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_b16c88745beb4c4cb1500ee0486dfa54.jpg)
Act One Prologue: Amneris ignites the stage in the dream-like atmosphere and acts as narrator for the story to come. Aida and Radames are introduced.
![Fortune Favors the Brave](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_aa30b418b322423eaadf47266c4996fc.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_aa30b418b322423eaadf47266c4996fc.jpeg)
Radames and his soldiers on the Egyptian slave barge. Sail is a kabuki drop with practical ropes.
![Past is Another Land](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_8b3e09e141134f8d9ea970d74c56cd78.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_8b3e09e141134f8d9ea970d74c56cd78.jpeg)
A more intimate moment between Aida and Radames as his soldiers keep watch.
![The Docks](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_54706539d3f24acb837e4196ff1c06dc.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_54706539d3f24acb837e4196ff1c06dc.jpg)
Radames and his men bring back Aida and other Nubian women as Egyptian slaves. Sail is "docked" stage right as papyrus and reeds set the scene at the Nile's edge.
![Another Pyramid](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_6b2a3047cf22432ea23ddb6236793da9.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_6b2a3047cf22432ea23ddb6236793da9.jpg)
Zoser and his ministers meet in the palace war room. Columns and walls track on.
![Another Pyramid Dance Break](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_3c27a7f3da2f4bfe8a3dac0e7a492fcb.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_3c27a7f3da2f4bfe8a3dac0e7a492fcb.jpg)
As the traitor is caught, the stage is cleared of scenery and Zoser and the ministers dance.
![How I Know You](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_d3b2f6e4b81a48b3975e055036d0463c.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_d3b2f6e4b81a48b3975e055036d0463c.jpeg)
Mare meets Aida in one of the palace's many halls. Columns and walls play on a diagonal angle reinforced with light.
![The Baths](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_19df38a161cb4779ba22b5c09a80bb72.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_19df38a161cb4779ba22b5c09a80bb72.jpg)
A sheer venetian drape is illuminated with watery reflections from the Egyptian baths as Amneris and the Egyptian women lounge.
![My Strongest Suit](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_7fddbd6bd6a147a0a61ace46babee7ea.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_7fddbd6bd6a147a0a61ace46babee7ea.jpg)
Amneris and the Egyptian women venture from the baths to her wardrobe to prepare for the evening's celebratory feast. Obelisk display cases feature crowns and jewels.
![My Strongest Suit Fashion Show](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_95f151579eb4446aa69b932e500736d6.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_95f151579eb4446aa69b932e500736d6.jpg)
The Egyptian women help Amneris model her clothing in a fashion show. Dramatic lighting and strobing camera flashes will keep this number fresh and lively.
![Enchantment Passing Through](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_6d501cd435cb468fb3666c986fa35c83.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_6d501cd435cb468fb3666c986fa35c83.jpeg)
After the celebration, Radomes and Aida sing together about sailing and begin to develop feelings for each other. This scene is played on an angle.
![My Strongest Suit Reprise](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_c67160c784cf459195c84f965ffeca2f.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_c67160c784cf459195c84f965ffeca2f.jpeg)
Amneris and Aida lament the inhuman expectations of being princesses. Amneris' closet is now barren, stripped of the clothes she uses to hide her insecurities.
![The Nubian Slave Camp](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5922b_9daa46bda173491d8253ae2071e7d22d.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c5922b_9daa46bda173491d8253ae2071e7d22d.jpeg)
A large wooden restraining wall represents the Nubian slave encampment during "Dance of the Robe" and "The Gods Love Nubia".
AIDA - Elton John and Tim Rice
SCENIC DESIGNER
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Cleveland Musical Theatre
July 2015 workshop, Full production Sumer 2016
Director: Miles Sternfeld