SPANISH FORK — The Prince of Egypt with Spanish Fork Community Theater will have you looking through your life “Through Heaven’s Eyes” this July. The well beloved animated film The Prince of Egypt, with music by Stephen Schwartz, was adapted for the stage in 2017 featuring 10 new songs written by Schwartz himself and book by Philip LaZebnik. Directed by Steve and Kara Poulsen, Spanish Fork Community Theater’s take on the classic story of Moses and his Exodus from Egypt inspires empathy and comradery with our fellow humankind.
The most notable part of this production is its large ensemble. With a cast of 141 members from all age ranges, you are immediately reminded of the vast populations of Egyptians, Midians, and Hebrews that this story envelops. It is not often that you see such a large ensemble in the theatre, but its powerful combined presence tells the story with detail in a way that may otherwise be overlooked. Those familiar with the music from The Prince of Egypt may be aware of the use of choral vocals in its most popular songs like “Deliver Us,” “The Plagues,” and “When You Believe.” Having such a large group of talented and ranged voices to sing these numbers does justice to the original music and has an emotional impact that you just can’t get from smaller groups.
Something that I really enjoyed throughout my viewing of the show was the audience’s reactions to seeing their loved ones on stage. The audience was full of groups of all ages; families with young children, young adults, parents, grandparents all showed up to support their loved ones. I remember specifically the young children sitting in front of me standing up and pointing at someone they knew once they were able to pick them out from the ensemble. Their excitement and attentiveness through the full length of the performance was an inspiring reminder of the power of community.
Ethan Bailey as Moses does a seamless job of portraying Moses’ character arc throughout the length of the show. His smooth singing and genuine physicality brings life and energy to his character, captivating the audience. Seth Cowrie’s portrayal of Ramses is a thoughtful and emotional depiction of a character we don’t commonly see as being in turmoil. Cowrie and Bailey’s brotherly chemistry amplifies the emotional stakes of the two brothers’ situations and the difficult choices they are forced to make.
Tzipporah, played by Nicole Ortiz, is a Midionite woman taken captive by Pharaoh who escapes Egypt only to once again cross paths with Moses in his exile. Ortiz’s performance showcases her strength as a dancer, and has the only dance solo of the show.
Hotep, the cantankerous High Priest, is played by Ben Spencer. His deep and powerful voice furthers his characterization of Hotep, making a very believable antagonistic character to rally against. While Spencer beautifully portrays his supporting role, I wish there were more opportunities for him to showcase his vocal skill.
Kelsey Eastmond as Miriam ignites sparks of hope throughout the course of the performance. Her gentle voice and cheerful delivery lifts spirits and pushes forward the momentum of this show. Her minimal appearances, supported by Andrew Mitchell as Aaron, bring lighthearted joy to an otherwise contentious story.
Seti and Queen Tuya, the parents of Ramses, played by Ryan Cook and Aulola Amacher brought a loving parental feeling to their relationship with Moses that is often overlooked in this story. Both move seamlessly between their regal and approachable physicalities to tell a story of duty and humanity.
Other performances that must be mentioned are those of Jacob Chesney as Young Moses and Luke Allen as Young Ramses. Chesney’s performance in “Footprints on the Sand” started off with bits of hesitation but his confidence grew to a strong delivery for the second half of the song. Momentary, but featured performances from Craig Gardner as Jethro and Lori-ann Campbell as Yocheved showcase their abilities and bring further life to the show.
In addition to its bountiful and skilled cast, this show would be nothing without its extensive creative team. Led by Directors Kara and Steve Poulsen, the production team relied on a community of designers, artists, and assistant creatives to bring such a large production to life. One of the design pieces that stands out most is the costuming. What a challenge to costume 141 actors, most of which have multiple roles and costumes to change between. Designed by Brooklyn Tanner with help from a team of assistants, each actor is adorned with distinct individual elements that come together cohesively to tell this story.
In addition to costumes, the coordinated efforts Set Design by Lawson Bendall, Lighting Design by Zach Lambson and Amanda Young, and Projection Design by Brock Larson and Steve Poulsen bring the complex world of this play to life. Each of these elements seamlessly supports each other to simulate location, time, characters, and divine interference. While we stay put in our seats, these artists are able to transport us anywhere within the blink of an eye.
The Prince of Egypt with Spanish Fork Community Theater is a glowing example of art made together by a community. The vast support and time that was put into this production shows through in the life that it brings to its audience. Don’t miss your chance to experience The Prince of Egypt performing at Spanish Fork High School now until July 25th.
SHOW INFO: The Prince of Egypt by Spanish Fork Community Theater runs until July 25th at Spanish Fork High School (158 N 630 W St, Spanish Fork, UT 84660). Tickets range from $6-$10. For more information and to get tickets, visit their website here.
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