Lehi High School Drama Unleashes Epic “The Prince of Egypt” with Power and Passion
The Lehi High School Drama department has just concluded a breathtaking run of “The Prince of Egypt”, captivating audiences with a grand, heartfelt staging of the biblical Exodus tale. The production ran through April 25 at Lehi, Utah, with a sprawling cast of nearly 80 students delivering a powerful spectacle highlighting courage, faith, and brotherhood.
This larger-than-life musical, based on the popular 1998 film, centers on Moses, played by Kaleb Phillips, who discovers his Israelite heritage and leads his people to freedom from Egyptian slavery. Phillips commanded the stage with intense vocal and emotional performances, notably in the moving solo “When You Believe.”
Phillips’s dynamic brotherly chemistry with Luke Crockett as Ramses was a standout element throughout the series of shows. Crockett’s vocal strength and commanding presence helped portray the complex bond of two brothers torn apart by fate. Meanwhile, Ava Smith as Tzipporah and Chloe Dix as Miriam brought fierce, natural performances that grounded the emotional depth of the story.
Powerful Vocals and Stunning Visuals Drive Impact
The opening number, “Deliver Us,” featured tight ensemble work with Lael Meyer leading the unified cast delivery that immediately immersed the audience in the drama. Highlights included the high-energy “Through Heaven’s Eyes,” which engaged viewers in immersive interaction and showcased the cast’s vocal power. Richard Pilling, as Jethro, also impressed with a deep, resonant voice echoing the original film’s compelling tone.
Set design by Kaleb Phillips and Matt Olsen transformed the stage into an evocative Ancient Egyptian world, with lighting by Kenna Burr and McKenzie Kelley adding atmosphere from the lush Nile scenes to the starry “Footprints in the Sand.” Memorable stagecraft included special effects depicting the Nile turning to blood and a dramatic fall of an Egyptian guard, intensifying the storytelling’s emotional punch.
Director Mindy Nelsen Harnesses Scale and Emotion
Director Mindy Nelsen expertly managed the complex blend of an 80-player cast and rapid staging shifts. She used the ensemble’s energy to amplify the chaotic scenes of slave labor and Egyptian court life, maintaining a tight narrative flow despite the script’s occasional bloat. Her direction ensured the production’s timeless message of courage, freedom, and faith remained front and center.
The spectacular staging and passionate performances made The Prince of Egypt at Lehi High School an unforgettable experience for local theatergoers and a testament to the power of youth arts education. This production’s success reinforces the vital role of high school drama in fostering creative excellence and community engagement across the United States.
While the run ended on April 25, the impact and inspiration from Lehi High’s production will resonate far beyond the Utah stage, delivering a reminder of courage in the face of oppression and the enduring human spirit.
For drama enthusiasts and families across Alaska and the US, this local Utah spectacle offers a glimpse into how high school theater continues to produce professional-caliber, emotionally charged performances worthy of national attention.
