Touring Disney Musical ‘Aida’ Coming to L.A.’s Ahmanson

The touring version of Disney’s musical “Aida” will play the Ahmanson Theatre from Nov. 11 to Jan. 5.

The Broadway production received four Tonys, including an award for the Elton John and Tim Rice score.

The story, about a Nubian princess who falls for one of her Egyptian captors, is another treatment of the same material used in Giuseppe Verdi’s opera.

The arrival of “Aida” may mark the first time that two Disney musicals will play in theaters of Disney’s hometown simultaneously--if the company’s “The Lion King” is extended beyond September at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. A Disney spokesman said an extension of “The Lion King” through the end of the year is being discussed.

“Aida” will feature Simone in the title role, Patrick Cassidy as Radames and Kelli Fournier as Amneris. Heather Headley, who won a Tony Award for her Broadway performance in the title role, is under contract in New York only through August.

Disney Chairman Peter Schneider said he is thrilled at the prospect of “Aida” at the Ahmanson. Schneider and Thomas Schumacher, Disney’s feature animation president--who jointly operate the company’s theatrical wing, Buena Vista Theatrical Group--worked for Center Theatre Group, which produces the Ahmanson season, in an early phase of their careers.

“Disney has been doing creative work in the theater, and I’m glad we’re involved,” said Ahmanson producer Gordon Davidson.

The L.A. run of “Aida” is expected to be the tour’s longest stop. The production is not doing an indefinite “sit-down” run in any city other than New York, said the Disney spokesman.

The tour opens March 27 in Minneapolis.