February 2026 - Features: From Screen to Stage: "The Prince of Egypt" Brings Powerful Storytelling Back to Albuquerque
- 3 days ago
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Musical Theatre Southwest is bringing one of the most visually striking and emotionally resonant stories ever adapted for the stage to Albuquerque with its upcoming production of The Prince of Egypt. Based on DreamWorks Animation’s 1998 film, the musical transforms a familiar biblical epic into an intimate, character-driven story centered on identity, destiny, and the bonds that both unite and divide us. With sweeping music, powerful performances, and a return to a long-dormant performance space, this production feels especially meaningful for the local theatre community.
At its core, The Prince of Egypt follows the journey of Moses, tracing his life from his origins as a Hebrew child saved from persecution to his upbringing in the Egyptian royal household and, ultimately, his calling to lead his people to freedom. While the story is rooted in the Book of Exodus, the musical leans heavily into the emotional tension between Moses and his adoptive brother, Rameses. Rather than focusing solely on spectacle, the narrative reframes the epic through the lens of two brothers shaped by vastly different expectations and responsibilities—one destined to be a prophet, the other burdened with the crown of Pharaoh.
That relationship drives much of the show’s emotional weight. Rameses grows up under immense pressure, molded by the expectations of Egyptian society and his parents, constantly striving to live up to what a ruler should be. Moses, by contrast, enjoys a freedom that comes with being the second son, able to be playful and unguarded in ways his brother cannot. Their bond is genuine and deeply felt, making the inevitable fracture between them all the more devastating when Moses discovers his true heritage and the reality of the oppression faced by the Hebrew people.
As Moses grapples with this revelation, his sense of identity is shattered. No longer fully belonging to the world he thought was his, he is forced into exile and self-discovery. That journey—both physical and spiritual—becomes one of the musical’s most resonant arcs. The show’s message, encapsulated in the lyric “look at your life through heaven’s eyes,” underscores Moses’ transformation as he learns to see beyond personal comfort and social status, toward a broader understanding of justice, responsibility, and compassion.
Musically, The Prince of Egypt delivers on the promise fans of the original film remember so well. The score is rich, emotional, and demanding, requiring both vocal power and nuance from its cast. Even early in the rehearsal process, the depth of talent involved in this production is already evident. With a large ensemble and harmonies that soar, the music alone makes this show a must-see for musical theatre lovers.
Adding to the significance of this production is its venue. Musical Theatre Southwest is staging The Prince of Egypt at the African American Performing Arts Center, a space that has not been widely used for theatrical productions in recent years. Bringing a show of this scale into the theater feels like a homecoming, not just for the performers who have previously worked on that stage, but for the community as a whole. The venue allows the production to match the grandeur of the story while also reactivating a vital cultural space in Albuquerque.
Beyond the spectacle, what makes this production especially worthwhile is its relevance. Themes of power, oppression, moral courage, and the cost of leadership feel as timely as ever. The story asks difficult questions about loyalty, responsibility, and what it means to do the right thing when it comes at great personal cost. By framing these questions within a deeply human story, The Prince of Egypt invites audiences to reflect on their own values and choices.
Musical Theatre Southwest’s The Prince of Egypt runs March 12 - 29, and tickets are available now at mtsabq.org. For those looking to experience a powerful night of theatre—one that blends epic storytelling with intimate emotion—this production promises to be one of the standout shows of the season.
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