In 1998, Atlanta

got the first taste of the show that woul become the smash Broadway musical

from Disney, "Aida." It was called "Elaborate Lives: the

Legend of Aida" and was written by Elton John and Tim Rice, who teamed

up to write the music for Disney's other huge Broadway hit, "The

Lion King." Now, "Aida" returns to the city that nurtured

it at the beginning for a three week run at the Fox Theatre.

"Aida"

is a love story about a Nubian princess stolen from her country (Aida),

Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love.

"Aida" won four Tony Awards in 2000 and has been thrilling audiences

with its dazzling sets, intriguing story and beautiful musical numbers.

Paulette Ivory

has been playing the role of Aida for the national touring company for

over 10 months now. Ivory, from England, is no stranger to the stage,

especially Disney musicals. In London, Ivory starred in "The Lion

King" and it was through that part that she was encouraged to audition

for "Aida" Her audition was scheduled for Sept. 11 of last year

but was postponed several days to the tragic events of that day. Ivory

eventually got the part and has been touring the nation since.

Ivory may appear

familiar to audiences in Atlanta. She was in the film "Four Weddings

and a funeral, as a singer at the second wedding and has also appeared

on several BBC soap operas, including the popular "East Enders."

Along with being on the big and small screen as well as some of the largest

sages in the world, Ivory also recorded a song with a group called Think

Twice that reached number one in Japan.

Ivory sings

11 numbers in "Aida." "Which is 22 on a matinee day,"

Ivory explains. The songs vary in style from power ballad to gospel and

the variation is one of the things that Ivory loves about her role and

the show.

"Aida"

will play Nov. 6 -23, at the Fox Theatre. Performances are Tuesday through

Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday

and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There will additionally be two Thurday matinees

on Nov. 7 as well as Nov. 21.

Tickets can

be purchased by calling TicketMaster at 404-817-8700, at the Fox Theatre

box office, online at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com, and at all TicketMaster

ticket centers, including Publix Supermarkets. For special group rates

on 20 or more people, call 404- 881-2100.

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