By Kimberly Prather, Student Reporter

Aida, the 2007 Homecoming Musical is preparing for its Oct. 19-21 debut.

The timeless love story, which was supposed to be put on two years ago, is now finally a production at ACU.

Aida is about two countries at war: Egypt and Nubia. A Nubian princess is taken from her land and put into slavery.

Egyptian soldiers capture the Nubian princess’ father and turn all his people into slaves. During this time, she falls in love with the Egyptian captain who is already engaged to an Egyptian princess, forming a love triangle.

“The play is about the power of love, redemption, loyalty and responsibility,” said Jasmin Richardson, junior musical theatre major from Houston.

Jasmin plays the Nubian princess in the play.

“I had to prepare myself mentally for if the community will accept the message we are trying to bring them,” Richardson said.

“The play’s huge basis is diversity, forbidden love between two different races. It applies to students at ACU today,” said Byron Martin, junior psychology major from Mesquite and a Nubian king in the play.

Right now the play crew has moved into the Civic Center as they prepare for opening night, and the cast has been rehearsing regularly since they started on Aug. 23.

“We are preparing for the transition of getting the technical aspect together and incorporating set lights and sounds,” Richardson said.

“We are in the process of running the show all the way through with different scenic nit-picking, trying to make it perfect,” Martin said.

The production is currently seeking volunteers to usher attendees at the performance.

Contact Donna Hester at hesterd@acu.edu for more information.

The cast and crew will give ACU students a sneak peek of the Homecoming show Wednesday in Chapel.

Tickets are on sale now. Call 325-674-ARTS (2787) for tickets. The box office is open 1 to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.