WEST LIBERTY, Iowa — Though the setting of West Liberty High School’s latest musical is ancient Egypt, its theme is timeless  — choosing between love and honor.

That difficult decision will unfold before audiences when the school’s drama department brings “Aida” to the stage Friday-Sunday, Nov. 6-8

“Aida” is based on Giuseppe Verdi’s four-act opera of 1871, but was given a contemporary twist in 2000 when Elton John and Tim Rice set the piece to rock music for a Broadway production.

In it, Aida, a Nubian princess, is captured by the Egyptians when she comes too close to their border. Her true identity is unknown to her captors, who force her into slavery. During her captivity, Aida uses the situation to help free her people from Egyptian oppression. Along the way, she falls in love with her enemy.

Freshmen Cailynn Williams and Kat Cabrera share the lead role of Aida, with Cabrera as the understudy.

“She’s a very strong character and very confident,” said Williams.

Cabrera said Aida reminds her of herself.

“She doesn’t let anyone talk her down,” said Cabrera.

Cabrera and Williams said portraying royalty involves a regal posture, something they and senior Jenny Wilkerson, who plays Aida’s counterpart, the Egyptian princess Amneris, find challenging. 

Amneris and Aida become entangled in a love triangle with the Egyptian Capt. Radames, who is betrothed to Amneris but falls in love with Aida. Thomas Allen and Payton Danner share the role of Radames.

Wilkerson said the role of Amneris is a complete contrast to other roles she’s had in school productions and she likes the challenge.

Freshman Bruce Browning stars in the role of Mereb, the top-ranked Nubian slave.

“He cares for the Captain’s house,” said Browning. “He’s strong-willed and sly and he does a lot of things a regular slave wouldn’t do.”

Browning said his character serves as a bridge between Aida and the Nubians.

 Teacher and drama director Shelley Leiser said the understudies cast for the main character roles will alternate with the primary leads in the three shows.

Using this method rewards the understudies for their work and gives the lead players an opportunity to rest their voices.

Leiser said she also wanted to encourage the many freshmen in this production.

“We had a strong freshman class this year and they can use this experience,” said Leiser.

The musical’s haunting conclusion involves a choice between love and honor.

“It would be hard to choose,” said Cabrera.  

Leiser said the students in“Aida” are learning more than lines; their roles inspire them to think about some of life’s most difficult decisions.

Leiser said drama gives teachers an opportunity to encourage students to think about those decisions.

“The best way to learn about someone else’s life is to try to be them,” said Leiser.