Toledo Opera will present Verdi's "Aida" for the first time in more than a decade, with performances on Oct. 16 and 18 at the Valentine Theatre.

Adam Turner conducts. Linda Brovsky directs the production, with choreography by Matthew Steffens.

Mary Elizabeth Williams sings the title role. Brendan Boyle takes on Radamès, Lauren Decker sings Amneris, and Nmon Ford portrays Amonasro.

The supporting cast draws heavily on the company's own roster. Bass-baritone and Toledo Opera Resident Artist Timothy Krueger sings the King of Egypt. Tenor and Resident Artist Jeremy Do takes the role of the Messenger. Soprano and Resident Artist Jenna Grissom sings the High Priestess.

The production also features six professional dancers: Nicholas Sipes, Ryan Lindeman, Jasmine Ward, Maurice Ivy, Mike Baerga, and Holly Wilder.

Toledo Opera Artistic Director Kevin Bylsma made no small claims for the ensemble. "At Toledo Opera, we have been fortunate in past seasons to bring outstanding talent to our city. But, with great pride, I must say that this cast exceeds our wildest dreams! The principal artists assembled for this production of Verdi's 'Aida' would be the envy of any opera company, great or small. These singers, combined with our talented Resident Artists, our impressive chorus, beautiful sets, expressive choreography, and of course, the vibrant, passionate playing of the Toledo Symphony, will remind everyone why 'Aida' is considered the grandest of all grand operas!"

Bylsma's remarks name the full apparatus behind the staging: the Resident Artists, the chorus, the sets, Steffens's choreography, and the Toledo Symphony in the pit. The company last staged the work more than ten years ago, making this revival a benchmark for how far its casting ambitions now reach.

The two October performances at the Valentine Theatre will show whether the assembled principals and resident roster can deliver the scale the artistic director promises.