The cast of the non-Equity production of the pop musical about forbidden love in ancient Egypt includes Rashada Dawan as Aida, Brandon Chandler as Radames, Adrianna Parson as Amneris, Aaron Holland as Mereb, Bob Pries as Zoser, Daisica L. Smith as Nehebka, Randolph Johnson as Amonasro and Damien K. Crim as the Pharaoh. The ensemble includes Adriene Patrice Barber, William Barney, Pierre Clark, Desla Epison, Desmond Gray, Daryn Harrell, Varris Homes, Andriana Pachella, Chip Payos, Tommy Rivera, Karla Victum and Kylah Williams.

Opening night at American Theater Company's space, 1909 W. Byron, will be July 10. A five-week run is planned, to Aug. 1.

Aida is directed by Bailiwick Chicago Collective member Scott Ferguson, with co-musical direction by Jimmy Morehead and Collective member Robert Ollis. Original choreography was created by Kevin Iega Jeff (artistic director of the Chicago dance company Deeply Rooted Dance Theater) and Gary Abbott (associate artistic director, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater).

The production team includes John Holt (scenic design), Jared B. Moore (lighting design), Ricky Lurie (costume design), Lee Strausberg (prop design), Sarah N. Ramos (sound design), Frank Mares (projection design), Lee Strausberg (stage manager), Brian LaDuca (production manager), Michael Dunbar (technical director) and Iman Crutcher (assistant director).

According to Bailiwick Chicago, "Aida tells the story of a high-ranking Egyptian soldier, engaged to the Pharaoh's daughter and next in line for the throne, who falls in love with the Nubian slave Aida. When he discovers that she is the daughter of the King of Nubia, each is forced to choose between love for country and love for each other. With a driving pop-rock score by Elton John, the story challenges audiences to consider the question: What would you sacrifice for eternal love?" Tickets can be purchased online at www.bailiwickchicago.com or by calling (866) 811-4111.