High-energy pop rock music combines with images of ancient Egypt as Timpanogos High School in Orem brings to the stage the Elton John and Tim Rice musical "Aida."

"Basically, it's a love story," said Agnes Broberg, THS drama director. "It talks about how 'Every Story Is a Love Story' [a title of one of the songs] -- and how love crosses all boundaries."

Portraying the members of the love triangle in "Aida" are seniors Camlyn Giddins, who plays the title role of a captured, enslaved Nubian princess; Derek Sorenson, who takes the part of Egyptian military captain Radames; and Shae Hunsaker, cast as Amneris, the Egyptian beauty betrothed to Radames.

"Every show, you wish you had more time," said Denise Gull, assistant director, who has worked with Broberg for years on Timpanogos productions. "But these are fabulous kids -- and our three leads are amazing -- very talented, good kids. By that, I mean there is not a diva among them, and that is unusual with that level of talent."

The leads are supported by a cast of 45, plus technicians and a live, 25-member orchestra.

The orchestra is conducted by THS chorus director Melissa Thorne, who also arranged the music. Three pianos are being used, so there is a great deal of keyboard action.

"I love the music," said Broberg. "'Aida' was done originally as a Mozart opera, and this is great, wonderful, modern music that is just haunting."

Choreographer Dani LeCompte has worked with a range of dancers' abilities in crafting the numbers, but said of the cast, "They all worked hard. All of the kids have put forth the effort, and have been willing to try. I think we've got it. All of our leads can move, which is nice. This is by far one of my favorite musicals, and I'm thrilled to work on it."

Of the production as a whole, LeCompte said she most likes the relationship between Radames and Aida.

"Race, color and creed don't matter -- all they see is each other. It is beautiful, and how the world should be. It's what you hope for our world," she said.

Daniel Bean, who plays Mereb, a slave to Radames, said the show does not "have the happiest ending." But its story teaches that people should get along and work together, rather than tearing each other apart through wars and other divisions, he said.

Hunsaker said she loves that she can in some ways be herself in playing Amneris -- bringing out the character's "girly" qualities.

"Aida" will play today, Friday, Saturday and Monday, at 7 p.m. in the Timpanogos High auditorium, 1450 N. 200 East. There is also a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Pre-sale tickets can be obtained by calling Broberg at the school or by purchasing them at the financial office.

Prices are $5 for seniors, students and children, and $6 for adults. At the door, the prices are $6 and $7.

With music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, "Aida" was originally directed on Broadway by Robert Falls, and produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. The book is by Linda Wollverton, Robert Falls and David Henry Hwang. The show is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.