by Randy Gener
Broadway Online
August 9, 2001

NEW YORK -- Broadway's Aida is going to start looking more like a Rent reunion this fall. Maya Days and Idina Menzel are joining Adam Pascal Tuesday, Sept. 11 in Elton John and Tim Rice's pop musical, production spokesperson Steven Padla told BroadwayOnline.com.

Days, who has tackled Mimi in Rent, is replacing Heather Headley in the show's title role. Menzel, the original Maureen in Rent, is taking on Amneris. Pascal, the original Roger, is staying on as Radames.

The outgoing Amneris, Taylor Dayne, will give her final performance on Sept. 8. Headley gives her final performance as Aida on Sept. 9.

Days reportedly will stay with Aida for the rest of 2001. Starting 2002, Simone will tackle the title role, having played the Nubian princess on Broadway and in the national touring company that's presently criss-crossing the country. When Simone returns to Broadway, so will performer Felicia Finley assume the role of Amneris.

Maya Days comes to the lead role of Aida having been Headley’s standby. Prior to this Broadway production, she tackled Mary Magdalene in the flop revival of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Idina Menzel was nominated for the 1996 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Rent. She was one of the brightest lights in Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party at Manhattan Theatre Club, and recently starred in the musical Summer of ‘42.