Lehi High Drama Delivers Stunning Biblical Epic “The Prince of Egypt”
The Lehi High School Drama department has just wrapped an electrifying run of “The Prince of Egypt”, an ambitious musical rendition of the timeless story of Moses and the Exodus. Closing its run on April 25, 2026, the production stunned audiences with powerful performances, impressive stagecraft, and emotional depth, making it one of the year’s most talked-about school productions.
Based on the 1998 animated film, the musical charts Moses’ journey from privileged Egyptian prince to fearless leader of his enslaved people. Kaleb Phillips led as Moses, commanding the stage with intense singing and acting, especially in the emotionally charged anthem, “When You Believe.” Phillips’ portrayal brought raw vulnerability and strength to the role, holding the audience spellbound throughout the show.
Powerful Cast Brings Ancient Egypt to Life
Equally riveting was Luke Crockett as Ramses, whose commanding vocals and stage presence offered a perfect foil to Phillips, capturing the complex brotherly bond at the story’s core. Ava Smith shone as Tzipporah with her compelling mix of fiery spirit and heartfelt connection, anchoring Moses’ personal journey.
Chloe Dix made a memorable impact as Miriam, Moses’ older sister, giving a natural and engaging performance that expanded her role seamlessly into the storyline. Other notable cast members included Izzy Anderson as Queen Tuya, Richard Pilling as Jethro, Jaxon Sheffield as Hotep, and Ryan Harris portraying Seti, all of whom contributed to the production’s rich tapestry of characters.
Design and Direction Powerfully Enhance Storytelling
Under the visionary direction of Mindy Nelsen, the staging utilized a sizable ensemble of about 80 cast members, skillfully navigating chaotic crowd scenes and choreographed slave labor sequences. The technical elements elevated the spectacle: set designers Kaleb Phillips and Matt Olsen transformed the stage into ancient Egypt with evocative props and scene transitions.
Lighting designers Kenna Burr and McKenzie Kelley enhanced mood and drama, from the swirling Nile to a starry sky backdrop for “Footprints in the Sand.” Effects like the Nile turning to blood and the dramatic fall of an Egyptian guard shocked and thrilled audiences, creating moments of breathtaking visual storytelling.
Musical Highlights and Audience Connection Drive Impact
The ensemble’s powerful vocals kicked off with the gripping anthem “Deliver Us,” setting a passionate tone. Lael Meyer’s commanding presence unified the cast’s sound, while “Through Heaven’s Eyes” stood out as a key moment with interactive energy that engaged the audience fully.
A deep vocal presence from Richard Pilling as Jethro left a lasting impression, capturing the emotional gravitas of the film’s score. Despite some moments where the script felt weighed down, the cast’s emotive delivery and dynamic charisma kept the core message compelling and urgent.
Why This Matters Now
Lehi High’s “The Prince of Egypt” reminds American audiences today of resilience, courage, and faith in the face of adversity, themes that resonate broadly across schools and communities nationwide. The production’s scale and passion highlight the power of high school theater to inspire and engage with classic stories through contemporary eyes.
With COVID-era challenges still impacting arts programs everywhere, Lehi’s production is a beacon of creative triumph, proving that well-backed, local theater remains vital and impactful.
What’s Next for Lehi High Drama?
As the curtain falls on this epic run, the Lehi High cast and crew prepare to share their talents in upcoming events and regional theater competitions, continuing to push the boundaries of youth performance arts.
For audiences across Alabama and the U.S., productions like this underscore the importance of supporting arts education as a critical cornerstone of community and culture.
