By Larisa Hicken
Nestled beneath the majestic red rocks of southern Utah, the Tuacahn Ampitheater offers an unparalleled experience with live theater. Known for casting outstanding talent and creating unforgettable special effects, Tuacahn has once again raised the bar for theater in Utah with their production of The Prince of Egypt. Written by Tony & Academy award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), the musical is inspired by the beloved animated film from DreamWorks which tells the story of Moses freeing his people from the oppressive rule of his brother, Ramses.
The music in this production is remarkable and favorite songs from the animated film such as “All I Ever Wanted” and “When You Believe” are well-executed by a stellar cast. Some beautiful new songs are also introduced, including “Footprints in the Sand” and “Heartless.”
Jacob Dickey as Moses. Photo by @benwitherwax on Instagram.
Performing the leading role of Moses is Jacob Dickey who is known for his role as Aladdin in the first national tour of Aladdin. More than one audience member mentioned Dickey’s good looks and swoon-worthy voice during intermission. Dickey has an energy that defies the scorching desert heat and he portrays a Moses who is both commanding and endearing with a warmth and charm that creates a truly multifaceted character.
Dickey and Roderick Lawrence as Ramses have a nice chemistry in their roles as brothers. There were a few slightly awkward moments where the two actors seemed nervous about their harmonies, but their voices blend quite nicely and their duets are some of the highlights of the show.
The other great chemistry comes between Dickey and Alexis Sims as Moses’ wife Tzipporah. Sims immediately wins over the audience with her feisty dancing, and she portrays a spunky Tzipporah without coming across as overly proud. The scene where Moses and Tzipporah express their affection for each other through a story about sheep is especially charming.
Other standout performers include Gabriela Carrillo in the role of Moses’ sister Miriam and Colin Alexander as Jethro. Both have powerhouse voices and deliver gorgeous solo songs. Another standout is Santina Umbach in the role of Ramses’ wife Nefertari. Her grace and beauty make it hard to focus anywhere else onstage. Although her solo song “Heartless” feels like a bit of a momentum stopper near the end of the show, her performance is truly beautiful and could only have been made better by making it a duet with Ramses to create a heartfelt connection between the two characters.
The greatest moments of the night include the perfect combination of set and costume design with superb choreography in the song “Through Heaven’s Eyes” and in the dramatic destruction of Egypt which features spectacular pyrotechnics. Of course the culmination of all elements is the parting of the red sea which features the impressive water features of Tuacahn. Scenic designer Brad Shelton creates a truly beautiful background for the story of Moses and makes incredible use of the surrounding landscape and even incorporates live animals, including camels. As costume designer, Dustin Cross weaves a rich tapestry of colors and textures that will have you believing in miracles, especially showing off his skills on the dazzling women in Egypt.
About 30 million Americans have had at purchase generic viagra greyandgrey.com least one significant side effect that warrants concern. Skin that is persistently irritated by rough handling can also buy generic viagra develop a callused outer layer of tissue that can block pleasurable sensation; and at the very least, it is not pleasant to look at or touch. Obesity decreases Men’s fertility, too Although much of the focus on obesity and infertility is on women, it absolutely affects men, too. http://greyandgrey.com/coronavirus-covid-19-and-workers-compensation-benefits/ tadalafil india As per research, yoga is too much helpful to make the man think positive while he is going to hold things up or discourage the generic viagra order sufferer completely.
Renowned choreographer Sean Cheesman clearly knows the ability of his dancers and together they create unforgettable moments that give chills. Pivotal moments such as Moses’ basket on the river and the burning bush are brought to life through dance. The portrayal of the death of the firstborn in Egypt is a masterpiece.
Although some audience members will struggle with a bit of revision to the ending of the Biblical story and the second act tends to lose a bit of momentum, director Scott S. Anderson overcomes these weaknesses in the storyline and creates an amazing show through the perfect combination of technical elements and genuinely tender acting that leaves the audience feeling satisfied. The cast and crew of The Prince of Egypt earn a well-deserved standing ovation.
Bring plenty of water and make sure you purchase a frozen lemonade to beat the heat in southern Utah, but whatever you do, don’t miss this spectacular production of The Prince of Egypt at Tuacahn Ampitheater this summer. Whether you’re a fan of the original animated film or not, you will be delighted by the visual effects and incredible talent of the performers who tell the heart-wrenching story of Moses and the exodus of his people from Egypt.
Tuacahn Center for the Arts presents The Prince of Egypt by the Tony & Academy award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz
Tuacahn Amphitheatre, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, Utah 84738
Box Office (800) 746-9882 or (435) 652-3300
July 13 – Oct 20, Showtime Varies
Ticket prices start at $29 and may be purchased online: https://www.tuacahn.org/
0 Comments
Trackbacks/Pingbacks