Shanan Ashlee Colvin, a military wife, was eager to do something to satisfy her stage and music appetite here. She'd done some musicals in Texas, where she and her Army husband, Curby, were last stationed.

So she checked out the MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) Web site and noticed that the Army Community Theatre was auditioning for "Aida," a show she's never seen, but she knew some of the music by Elton John and Tim Rice, whose score for "The Lion King" she adored.

Turned out to be serendipitous.

Long story short: She tried out, singing an African-American spiritual, "Deep River," and earned the title role as the Nubian slave in the love triangle, based on Verdi's classic opera, featuring Radames (the captain of the Egyptian army, portrayed by Jimi Wheeler) and Amneris (his betrothed princess, played by Shawna Masuda) as the other principals.

The musical opens Thursday at Army Community Theatre's Richardson Theatre.

"I really wanted to do something to stay busy," said Colvin, 27. "So I showed up alone to the auditions, with the blessing of my husband — a total stranger not knowing anybody there, not expecting to get the lead role. Chorus would have been fine; I just wanted to be involved."

Of course, she's thrilled with her coup — which marks her Island stage debut.

"I feel Aida is a character who is very well-respected," Colvin said. "She's a subtle leader; I like that. I feel it relates to my personality; she sees a job that needs to be done, she takes the initiative, trusting people will follow along."

Getting the part was a lovely surprise, but presented a daunting challenge. "I have so much responsibility on my shoulders now," Colvin said. "So I'm trying to work really hard, knowing the rest of the cast depends on the lead role."

And, she said, her fellow actors have been "so welcoming, so supportive; I came in as a stranger and I'm making new friends. There's no animosity, but a lot of help and encouragement."

Her husband is an aviation offer in the Army, stationed at Schofield Barracks for a three-year tour of duty, but technically works at Wheeler Army Airfield, where he is a Kiowa helicopter pilot.

"We're in our first year here, so it's incredible to get this show," said Colvin, who is a part-time private voice and music teacher, with military and civilian students.

While in Texas, she was choral director at Hobby Middle School in San Antonio and directed and appeared in a production of "Bye, Bye Birdie" and also performed in a community theater run of "Oliver!"

She said she has no formal theater training, mostly learning her craft by watching others do it.

Music, however, is her strong suit. "Which is why I decided to try out; to keep on singing. Also teach, to help others learn to perform."

Colvin said her favorite moment, where she's most comfortable in the show, is when Aida sings "The Past Is Another Land." "In three minutes, Aida is subtle yet efficient, sharing so much emotion, about what's happened to her past, in the present, and what she envisions in the future," she said.

Colvin's future could include "Bye Bye Birdie," the musical spoof of Elvis Presley going into the Army, poking gentle fun at idolhood and screaming bobbysoxers.

"I noticed that 'Birdie' is the next show at Army," she said. "Since it's one I directed and was in, I think I want to try to get involved again."