Lisa Simone Kelly, daughter of Tryons own Nina Simone, can relate very well to the kids in the cast of the upcoming show Aida, since she starred in the hit Broadway production herself.

I understudied Heather Headley in Aida while she was still on Broadway, and headed up the first national tour as Aida from March 2001 to February 2002, at which time I returned to Broadway in the leading role through June 2003, she explains. Much to my delight, I won the Best Actress in a Musical award for my role in the national tour. I am especially honored because the award is given based upon fans and their votes.

As Aida, Simone performed 11 songs in the show – three of which are showstoppers – and she performed them all eight times a week. I was ten pounds underweight due to the enormous responsibility both on and offstage; but Aida remains a true favorite and I would love to do it again for a short period, she says. She also got tendonitis in her elbow from doing the sword fight eight times a week, and warns that the show must and will go on, whether youre on medication, in physical therapy, or just plain ol sick.

When asked about auditioning, Simone has some advice for youngsters thinking about going out for a show. She admits that auditioning can be a nerve-wracking process, but says you must have confidence in yourself because youll be rejected many times, and not necessarily because youre not good enough. It may be the creative team needs someone who will fit the overall look of the cast, or because of some other creative group decision. But she stresses that no audition is ever wasted.

As for this particular role, Simone admits that Aidas first song The Past Is Another Land, was always her nemesis. Its the first song Aida sings and it involves the entire vocal range and a lot of control. But it was also one of my favorites because its right after the fight scene and with manacles on my wrists it didnt take much to get geared up emotionally to do it.

Other memorable moments for Simone include The Dance of the Robe and The Gods Love Nubia, a rousing gospel number. Every Sunday was Church Sunday and I would sing those songs for the Gods! she says.

Have fun! is Simones best advice for the cast of Aida. But she also advises them to know that it takes a team to create something of this magnitude. You are all part of a team and everyone is important. The story is strong so break those legs and sing for the Gods!

Aida opens at the Tryon Fine Arts Center on July 7 with a festive gala party starting at 6 p.m. Tickets for the gala include gourmet food, wines and desserts and a chance to wear your Egyptian finery.

On July 8 through 10, performances start at 8 p.m., and July 11 at 3 p.m. Tickets for these performances can be purchased at the Tryon Little Theater Workshop, 516 Trade St. in Tryon, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Saturday, or call 828-859-2466. Check out www.tltinfo.org for more information.