DreamWorks’ The Prince of Egypt is being developed into a new musical which will open in London's West End in February 2020. The Prince of Egypt tells the story of the book of Exodus through the eyes of Moses and Ramses, raised side by side as Egyptians before Moses is called by God to lead the enslaved Hebrew people to freedom. Written by Philip LaZebnik, the show will largely follow the plot of the film, although some aspects are going to be redeveloped and expanded including the addition of a new character. Stephen Schwartz, best known as the composer of smash hit Wicked, has added around 10 new songs for this musical version, which will also feature the film's original hits, including ‘When you Believe’ and ‘All I Ever Wanted.’ The lead actors have also now been announced, with Moses played by Luke Brady (Sweeney Todd), Ramses by Liam Tamne (The Light in the Piazza, Les Miserables), Miriam by Alexia Khadime (Wicked) and Tzipporah by Christine Allado (Hamilton).
From animation to stage
The musical has been in development for several years, having previously been performed in Denmark and in several locations in the USA, but this is the first time it has been produced in a major theatre for a longer run. Audiences should be prepared for plenty of spectacle; the development team are working with a projectionist and an illusion director who will help to bring to life some of the story's more dramatic moments, not least the parting of the Red Sea. It remains to be seen which other key moments from the film will make the cut – chariot race, anyone? – but it is certainly likely that the realisation will involve innovative use of movement. A key feature of the show is the use of dance to create physical shapes within scenes which help to drive the action. Choreographer Sean Cheesman (So You Think You Can Dance) is working closely with the actors and producers to refine this for the new show.
As for what to expect musically, some of the traditional Hebrew music from the film remains and will be performed authentically using historical instruments. Among the new songs composed for the show, one of the fan favourites is likely to be ‘Footprints on the Sand’, sung by Moses.
Producer Michael McCabe says that he felt compelled to bring the musical to London after seeing the production in Denmark: ‘The new stuff is some of the most extraordinary music Stephen [Schwartz] has written. It's exciting to have so much new music to work with, but also to deliver the songs people really do remember and love. Obviously, “When You Believe”, has had a huge life beyond the movie – it's an extraordinarily moving moment and a good anthem for our strange times.’
In league with the greats
Alexia Khadime, who will play Miriam, is already well known for her exceptional portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked in the West End. The production team behind The Prince of Egypt certainly hopes that the show will tap into a similar market to Wicked, which has shown itself to be wildly popular among younger audiences, becoming one of the highest-grossing and longest-running shows in London. It is certainly possible to draw some parallels between the protagonists of The Prince of Egypt and those of Wicked: while Moses and Ramses may not be able to compete with the relatability of Elphaba and Glinda's teenage insecurities, there are distinct similarities to the shape of the stories, both of which explore the ultimate demise of friendships unable to withstand the call of destiny, the pressure of being different and the need to do the right thing.
For teachers and students there are generous group discounts available, making The Prince of Egypt the ideal reward trip or cross-curricular enrichment source, linking the arts with History, Religious Studies and Geography, and providing background to PSHE and SMSC development. In addition, the theatre is located just down the road from the British Museum (which is free to enter), home to a wealth of Egyptian artefacts, providing a further historical link for curriculum enrichment.
