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| After becoming pharaoh, Jason Gotay's Ramses confronts Diluckshan Jeyaratnam's Moses. (Kevin Berne photo) |
“The Prince of Egypt,” the popular DreamWorks
Animation musical film, has come to life thanks to a collaboration between TheatreWorks
Silicon Valley and Denmark’s Fredericia Teater.
This world premiere features additional songs by
Stephen Schwartz of “Wicked,” “Godspell” and “Rags” fame and is directed by his
son, Scott Schwartz.
It tells the epic biblical story of Moses and the
Hebrews’ escape from Egypt as related mostly in the book of Exodus.
This version focuses on events leading up to the
flight, especially the more human story of the complex relationship between
Moses (Diluckshan Jeyaratnam) and his adoptive brother, Ramses (Jason Gotay),
who became Egypt’s pharaoh.
As young men, they’re carefree hell-raisers, but the
passage of time gives them new insights and responsibility.
With the death of his father, Pharaoh Seti (the
regal Tom Nelis), Ramses becomes pharaoh. In the meantime, Moses meets his real
brother and sister, Aaron (David Crane) and Miriam (Julia Motyka), learns he’s
Hebrew and marries Tzipporah (Brennyn Lark).
Ramses, too, is married to Nefertari (Jamila
Sabares-Klemm), mainly for political reasons.
Moses is torn between loyalty to his adoptive family
and the pull of his Hebrew roots, especially since the Hebrews are longtime
slaves to the Egyptians.
Director Schwartz employs imaginative staging on
Kevin Depinet’s spare set with its movable sandstone blocks and Shawn Sagady’s
projections. Also figuring into the staging is Sean Cheesman’s creative
choreography, a strength of this production.
Musical director William Liberatore conducts eight
other musicians from the keyboard.
Many of the 28 performers are in the ensemble,
playing various ethnic groups, dancing and forming scenic elements.
The cast is solid, especially the featured women.
However, Jeyaratnam doesn’t have the stage presence needed for Moses.
Although this musical springs from an animated film
popular with youngsters, its mature themes aren’t suitable for them.
It’s also quasi-operatic, with much of Philip
LaZebnik’s book propelled by Stephen Schwartz’s music and lyrics, requiring
better diction than heard from some of the singers.
Two of the more memorable songs are the introductory
“Deliver Us,” sung by the ensemble and others, and “When You Believe,” sung by
Miriam, Tzipporah and the Hebrews.
At two and a half hours with one intermission, the
show is still a work in progress that sags in spots. Presumably that issue will
be resolved over time and through subsequent productions in Denmark next year
and elsewhere.
“The Prince of Egypt” will continue through Nov. 5
at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain
View. For tickets and information, call (650) 463-1960 or visit www.theatreworks.org.
