‘Let’s get Biblical, Biblical’...and so they did!

Argyle Theater’s father/son producing team Mark and Dylan Perlman brings the Long Island premiere of Steven Schwartz’s stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning Dreamworks animation film “The Prince of Egypt” to their Babylon stage. In their words, ‘The Prince of Egypt’ is an epic, emotionally resonant musical that tells one of the most powerful stories ever shared - the journey of Moses and Ramses, two brothers raised together and ultimately pulled toward different destinies.

With a soaring score, breathtaking choreography and deeply human storytelling, this production explores faith, identity, purpose and unbreakable bonds that shape us. Whether you grew up with the beloved animated film or are discovering this story for the first time, we invite you to experience this moving, visually stunning musical brought to life by our remarkable cast and creative team.”

Argyle’s Artistic Director Evan Pappas co-directed this production with director/choreographer, Todd L. Underwood supported by a stellar team who created ancient Egypt right before our eyes thanks to these visionaries... Scenic Designer, James Rotondo; Technical Director, Pat Downes; Projections Designer, Abbey Kuhns and Lighting Designer, Graham Kindred who together draw the audience into an imagined world in the desert full of mystery and magic. There’s one exciting scene where you experience the effect of being in a desert storm, sand swirling wildly about the stage through the imaginative special effects. Another scene takes you on a boat down the Nile.

Blood-red lighting depicts “The River of Blood” plague as Moses evokes the wrath of God.  The parting of the Red Sea as Moses plants his staff to allow the Israelites to flee is realized with massive waves projected on either side of the stage. The musical director wraps every scene together with both heartfelt moments balanced by scenes with resounding, furious, numbers playing on our emotions as the story unfolds. The song “Heartless” is sung by an austere Nefertari as she commands the stage with her presence.

Amanda Scanze’s costumes range from torn and tattered rags worn by the enslaved to the bejeweled, golden robes and gowns worn by the Pharaoh Ramses (Christian Fuentes Atherton) and his Queen Nefertari (Soraiah Williams).  

There were so many beautiful outfits throughout the production truly depicting the excess of the time. I’m always awed by Scanze’s creative reach. Pharaoh’s shimmering costumes amplified his powerful position. Moses was costumed in humble outfits. You really felt the tug of love versus royal service in the scenes shared by Moses (Jeffrey Lee Walker) and Ramses, first as brothers and then as Moses and Pharaoh as King. Atherton’s character’s transition was seamless and powerful. Moses also showed great power, but in keeping with his character’s serious task of saving his people.

If you are like me, you didn’t know very much about the story of “The Prince of Egypt,” which was based on the Book of Exodus in the Bible, but I learned so much experiencing just one night of theatrical entertainment. Once again Broadway comes to Babylon and “Prince of Egypt” is a must see! The show runs through June 7 at the Argyle Theatre, 34 W. Main Street, Babylon. Call today: 631-230-3500 or visit: argyletheatre.com for tickets.