The obvious attraction of this otherwise “regional” performance of Aida is Beverly Sills in the title role. Aida is hardly the kind of part one associates with Sills, yet she approaches it with the same intelligence and understanding of how her voice works that made her such a distinguished Norma. The result is quite convincing, and at no point does she seem out of her depth.

The remainder of the cast is more uneven. Irene Kramarich is a standout as Amneris, bringing a rich contralto color to the part together with striking command of its considerable vocal challenges. Vincent Donato is less successful as Radamès. Although he manages the role’s technical demands, his musicianship is less persuasive.

The orchestral playing is dreadful, though one has to applaud the ambition of a city such as Paterson, New Jersey, in attempting a work as monumental as Aida.