Lyric Stage at MC presents “The Prince of Egypt” October 16-18

The account of Moses and his adoptive relative Pharaoh is one of the great triumphs and tragedies of the Old Testament. Based on the Book of Exodus, the stage musical “The Prince of Egypt,” with songs from DreamWorks Animation’s 1998 animated film, follows Moses from his days as a member of the ruling class to his ultimate destiny: leading God’s people out of Egypt.

Lyric Stage at MC’s production of “The Prince of Egypt,” with music and lyrics by Academy Award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz, is scheduled for Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16 through 18, in the Jean Pittman Williams Recital Hall in the Aven Fine Arts Building on Mississippi Christian University’s Clinton campus. Friday and Saturday’s performances are scheduled for 7 p.m., with Sunday’s matinee to begin at 3 p.m.

Jamie Ertle, MC assistant professor of music and theater and director of the production, said audiences will recognize many of the songs from the DreamWorks studio adaptation.

“They’ll enjoy the beautiful, classic musical theater sound from Stephen Schwartz, and they’ll hear even more songs that have been added to flesh out the stage musical,” Ertle said. “The animated movie was a staple in my household, but not everyone was aware that the stage version existed. I’m looking forward to introducing them to this production.”

Her goal is to present a Biblically themed musical at least every four years so every class at MC can participate in a production inspired by Scripture.

“Moses was called to give up so much privilege and work to make conditions better for those whose conditions weren’t good,” Ertle said. “He relied on his faith in the Lord to overcome all that he was facing. It’s important to listen to and heed the Lord’s greater call for our lives.

“I want everyone – participants and audience members alike – to recognize the show’s message: to rely on one another, build community and seek to make someone else’s situation more bearable.”

Ella Goodin, a senior music education major from Gluckstadt, is playing the role of Moses’ older sister, Miriam. “The Prince of Egypt” represents Goodin’s sixth performance at MC.

“I very much relate to Miriam,” she said. “She holds onto what she believes is true, no matter what is going on in her life. That’s something being at a Christian university has taught me. No matter whether I’m in class or whatever may be going on, I can hold onto my faith because it is the only constant in this life. I share that mindset with her.”

Goodin, who had no theater experience before coming to MC, is also serving as assistant director of the production, a responsibility that gives her a larger perspective on the production.

“It gives me greater insight into what a musical performance requires,” she said. “I’m grateful to have this experience because I now feel more capable of teaching both choir and theater.”

The lesson of community is not limited to the performance. Ertle reached out to MC alums for assistance with sets, including her former high school theater teacher, Brittnye Aven, and MC Archives employee Mary Margaret Freeman Long.

“It’s a wonderful reminder that theater is all about community,” she said with a laugh. “It’s such a big show that you cannot do it alone.”

The production will feature the MC Department of Music’s Young Alumnus of the Year, John Christopher Adams, who will play Jethro during the Friday and Saturday performances, and young Clinton-area performers Lydia Krason, Simon Followell and Waverly Renick.

“It’s exciting to have MC alumni and young members of our local community perform with us,” Ertle said.

Music will be directed by Beth Everett, MC associate professor of music and director of choral activities.

Other members of the cast include: Chris Atkinson, Luke Parker, Matthew Fedorenko, Harmony "Onyx" Sandle, Robert Hight, Tanner Davis, Holli Grace Italiano, Abigail Young, Isabella Monico, Sutton Ashley, Taylur Blevins, Hope Cuevas, Gabrielle Dismuke, Olivia Holland, Jada Johnson, Ellie Purcell, Miana Rademeyer, Sarah Elizabeth Warren, Alijah Hibler, Bradley McMorris, John Michael Oliphant, Tyler Shinholt, Seth Weston and Jamey Pigott.

General admission tickets cost $25 each, or $10 each for students and MC faculty and staff and may be purchased online at music.mc.edu/tickets or by calling (601) 925-3440.