With a tragic tale of forbidden love and conflicting loyalties, Lehi High School's production of "Aida" delivers a musical that holds the promise of both artistic and emotional impact.

"It's more than just a play. It's life," said Kaitlyn Lamb, who plays the title role.

Lehi High School is staging the pop musical by Tim Rice and Elton John with performances today, Monday and Tuesday. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students.

Director Mindy Nelsen said that she chose the play with the artistic and personal development of her students in mind as well as its audience-pleasing entertainment value.

"I love the story line of this show. It's just a beautiful story that we feel privileged to share with people," Nelsen said.

The musical tells the tale of star-crossed love between an enslaved Nubian princess and an Egyptian prince who is betrothed to the Pharaoh's daughter, focusing on the characters and their relationships.

"It's a beautiful play with an amazing message. Our No. 1 goal with this production is to change people's lives both inside and outside the cast," said Paul Van Bloem during the final dress rehearsal. Van Bloem, a senior at Lehi High School, is assistant director of "Aida" in addition to playing the role of Pharaoh. "It's an enormous responsibility," Van Bloem said.

"I'm not out to make stars. I'm working to make better people," Nelsen said. "I keep telling the kids, 'If we're not doing this for a reason then why do it?' " she said.

"What I love about this role is the story I get to tell," said Mason Holmstead, who plays romantic lead, Radames. " 'Aida' makes me realize that how I treat other people and view other people affects their lives. Our actions affect everybody."

Kayli Jackson said that playing Amneris, the privileged daughter of Pharaoh, has revealed new facets of her own personality. "I'm so not a 'girlie' girl, so exploring the arc she makes has helped me find new angles in myself. I've learned from her on so many different levels," Jackson said.

Staging ancient Egypt for "Aida" began in August and has engaged the artistic collaboration of 73 cast members, 22 technical crew members, drama director Nelsen, vocal director Jenny Nudd, choreographer and dance director Cheryl Allgaier, local artist Randy Blackburn and the LHS advanced technical theater class.

"I think we have a great cast and directors. Working together is so exciting and rewarding," said McKell Curtis, an Egyptian dancer in the play.

The Egyptian setting is portrayed with colorful costuming, sets and lighting. "We're very thankful to Lone Peak High School for loaning us some of the more elaborate costumes from their production a few years ago," Nelsen said.

The sets, designed by students in the advanced technical theater class, suggest the straight lines and hieroglyphs associated with Egyptian architecture. Blackburn provided detailed interpretive touches with repetitive colors and Egyptian symbols.

Allgaier choreographed dancers silhouetted against lighted backdrops to evoke Egyptian tomb paintings with their sideways angles and poses. Nudd directed the actors to express emotions through the demanding vocals.

"Singing can express so much emotion," Lamb said. "I discovered a whole new perspective during the show. Life is quite a delicate thing."

"I'm really proud of these kids," Nelsen said. "They've gone above and beyond my expectations."