ELTON JOHN AND TIM RICE'S 'AIDA'
Opens Saturday: Theatre Latté Da and the Hennepin Theatre Trust are christening a new endeavor called Broadway Re-Imagined. Director Peter Rothstein takes a fresh look at this blockbuster, Tony-winning musical with Austene Van and Jared Oxborough playing the leads. Based on the Verdi opera, "Aida" focuses on a Nubian slave who falls in love with an Egyptian general. Latté Da and the Trust have plans to do this at least once a year -- betting that this production works out. Rothstein hopes to mix modern and ancient motifs -- putting the band on stage for the feel of a rock concert, for example. Frequent collaborator Michael Matthew Ferrell choreographs, with Jason Hansen driving the music. (Previews 7:30 p.m. Thu., 8 p.m. Fri. Opens 8 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. next Sun. $24-$59. Ends Jan. 27. Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 1-800-982-2787, www.hennepintheatretrust.org or the State Theatre Box Office at 805 Hennepin Av. S.)
