Aida

Ethiopian captive princess falls for Egyptian warrior captor: No way this is going to work out. You wish Dategirl had been there to talk some sense into them. Verdi's tuneful spectacle is presented "in classic Egyptian style" and sung in Italian with English captions. The new production is indeed traditional, with hieroglyphics and sideways-walking gods covering practically every flat surface in Michael Yeargan's set, and lavish, get-your-money's-worth costumes by Peter J. Hall that stop just short of glitz. Robert Wierzel's extraordinary lighting design blends it all together, the desert pastels and the color and gilt of the outfits. It's all tremendously beautiful. In the title role, the lead soprano is expected to keep her light under a bushel and play submissive most of the show, which Lisa Daltirus manages touchingly. As Radames, the barrel-chested Antonello Palombi sings powerfully. GAVIN BORCHERT
Sat., Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 3, 2 p.m.; Wed., Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 10, 2 p.m.; Wed., Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 17, 2 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m., 2008