The Egyptian Wing of a museum, we follow a man and and a woman as they look at the artifacts. They catch each others eye, but cautiously avoid each other. A statue of a regal female Pharaoh, comes to life and through her song (Every Story Is A Love Story) takes us to ancient Egypt. Here we find Radames, Captain of the Egyptian Army, getting his ship ready to return from an expedition through neighboring land and enemy, Nubia. (Fortune Favors the Brave). As he is abput to leave, his soldiers bring aboard a captured group of Nubian women. They set sail, and Radames finds him self allured and yet infuriated by the strong headed Aida (The Past is Another Land).

Upon arriving in Egypt, Radames spares Aida from certain death in the copper mines, by sending her as a present and handmaiden to his fiancee, Princess Amneris (the living statue in the museum). Radames is greeted by his father, the Prime Minister Zoser, and is told that the Pharaoh is dying and Radames must wed Amneris soon as to secure the throne (Another Pyramid). Radames' Nubian servent, Mereb brings Aida to the palace and while doing so recognizes her as the Nubian Princess (How I Know You). Aida swears him to secrecy about her identity, fearing for her life. Aida meets Amneris in the baths, as she extolls about her love of fashion and keeping up with the times (My Strongest Suit). Amneris is less then impressed with Radames' gift, till Aida shows her usefullness and comraderie.

At a banquet celebrating Radames' return, Pharaoh announces that Radames and Amneris will marry in seven days, then is quickly rushed away as he falls seriously ill. Radames is distraught at the news, because by becoming Pharaoh he will no longer be able to explore. He shares these feelings and his dreams with Aida (Enchantment Passing Through). Later that night, Aida comforts Amneris as she laments about her father's illness. In Aida she finds someone who understands and encourages her to be a leader (My Strongest Suit--Reprise). Radames bursts into Amneris' bed chamber, and instead of taking Amneris up on her "offer", he steals a moment with Aida and shares his feelings for her.

Troubled by Radames' appearence, Mereb takes Aida to the Nubian camp where the other Nubian slaves plead with her to lead them (Dance of the Robe). At first she resists, wanting to stay annonymous, but finally agrees. The next day Amneris, Aida, and Mereb witness Radames giving his possesions away to the Nubian slaves. Amneris believes he is preparing to move into the palace with her, however Aida knows it is him proving his love for her (Not Me). Later that night Aida and Radames meet in secret and confess their feelings for one another. (Elaborate Lives) But, their trist is interrupted by news that Radames' army has captured Amonsaro, the Nubian King. Not knowing that this is Aida's father he is confused by her distress at the news, and being unable to comfort her, leaves. Returning to the Nubian camp Aida comforts her people and assures them that even thpugh their King was captured, Nubia will never die (The Gods Love Nubia).

Intermission

Aida, Radames, and Amneris now find themselves in a triangle of conflict (A Step Too Far). Aida and Mereb sneak into Amonsaro's prison cell, and plan his escape during the chaos of Amneris' wedding. But, in order for her father to escape, Aida must forsake Radames and make him marry Amneris (Easy As Life). Zoser discovers Radames' and Aida's relationship, and warns his son that she could cost him the throne. But, Radames' doesn't want to hear it, no longer wanting the throne or sharing in his father's ambitions (Like Father, Like Son). Angered, Zoser orders that Aida be killed.

Back at the Nubian camp, Aida recieves an apology letter from Radames, (Radames' Letter) about the way he left her the night before. But, before she can leave to talk to Radames, Egyptian soldiers arrive looking for her. Nehebka, Aida's loyal friend, sacrifices herself so that Aida can escape and lead her people. After that Aida is determined to free her father, and goes to say good-bye to Radames' despite Mereb's objections (How I know You--Reprise). Aida meets Radames outside the palace wall, and he tells her that he's calling off the wedding. But, if he does her father stands no chance of escape, so she tell him he must go through with it (Written in the Stars). Upset that he can't be with Aida he agrees to marry Amneris on the condidtion that Aida flees Egypt on a boat he'll provide. They part, unknowing that Amneris has overheard their conversation and now knows that her wedding is a sham (I Know the Truth). Segue into Amneris' wedding which is interrupted with news of Amonsaro's escape from prison.

Arriving at the docks as Aida is about to board the boat with her father, he learns Aida's true identity. In the ensuing commotion Zoser murders Mereb, and Radames helps Amonsaro's, but not Aida's, escape. Aida and Radames are arrested for treason, and at their trial are sentenced to be entombed beneath the sands. However Amneris rises to her role as future Pharoah by commanding that they be allowed to be buried together. A small mercy to the people she has come to love. As they await being put into the tomb, Aida turns to Radames, and they lament upon the unfairness of being unable to be together longet then a day (Elaborate Lives--Reprise). Finally entombed, and slowly losing air and light they swear thier love for one another, and Radames' swears that he will search a hundred lifetimes to find her again (Enchantment Passing Through--Reprise). As the light flickers out the lovers share one last kiss.

We are back in the Egyptian Wing of the museum, and Amneris watches as the man and woman are finally drawn to each other in front of the ancient tomb (Every Story Is A Love Story--Reprise). They are Radames and Aida, finally reunited to love each other.