Prince of Egypt musical brings 25-member cast to HMA’s stage

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, "The Prince of Egypt" is based on the Book of Exodus. It highlights the life of Moses as he journeys from the courts of Pharoah and his life as a prince to his God-assigned role leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. The stage production incorporates songs from the DreamWorks Animation film released in 1998.

On March 7 and 8, the La Sierra University Department of Music will offer two, fully staged performances of "The Prince of Egypt" accompanied by the La Sierra University Orchestra. Director of Vocal Studies Raejin Lee serves as producer, Jonathan Keplinger as music director, and Jill Genobaga as stage and artistic director.

Performances will be held in Hole Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, March 7 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m. To purchase tickets call 951-785-2036 or visit https://www.simpletix.com/e/the-prince-of-egypt-tickets-249705

"Producing this show has been a deeply meaningful journey," Lee says in her producer's note for the program. "In 2012, long before this musical became licensed for performance, one of our students shared her dream of one day seeing The Prince of Egypt on the stage at La Sierra University. When the opportunity finally came fourteen years later, it felt like the right moment, not only for her, my friend Sara Pinto da Silva, but for our entire community."

Auditions for the musical began last September and attracted talent from across campus and the community. Participants represent a variety of disciplines and backgrounds - La Sierra alumnus Iolo-Isaac Rada as Hotep is a graduate student at Loma Linda University and Genobaga works in medical academia. Keplinger has served as a mentor, vocal coach, and rehearsal pianist, supporting the musical and dramatic growth of the cast, Lee said. "It has been especially meaningful to see his two children appear in the production as young Miriam and Aaron," she said.

"Bringing together artists from such varied backgrounds has created the strong sense of community that defines this production," Lee noted.

La Sierra University, a Seventh-day Adventist university, is located at 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, CA, 92505. For information call the music department at 951-785-2036.