The Edmonton Journal continues its tradition of showcasing local high school theatrical productions through reviews written by student critics participating in the Alberta Youth Theatre Collective program. This initiative provides young reviewers with a platform to analyze and celebrate the artistic achievements of their peers across the city.
Ambitious Production Captures Biblical Epic
St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School recently presented a spectacular production of The Prince of Egypt, the musical drama based on the 1998 DreamWorks animated film that retells the biblical story of Moses. From the opening moments featuring towering dog-headed pillars and Ramses Abella's piercing trumpet call, the production established itself as an ambitious undertaking that transformed the unconventional theater space into an empire on the brink of divine reckoning.
Student Performers Rise to Demanding Material
The musical, known for Stephen Schwartz's dramatic compositions and large-scale spectacles including the plague of locusts and the parting of the Red Sea, demands exceptional vocal prowess and emotional depth from its performers. St. Oscar Romero's production met these challenges with remarkable success, demonstrating the dedication and talent of its student cast and crew.
Grade 12 student Jian Circulado delivered a compelling performance as Moses, navigating the character's transformation from royal prince to reluctant leader with heartfelt emotion and strong vocals. One particularly striking visual moment occurred when Circulado's Moses wiped away his royal blue eye makeup, symbolically shedding his former identity to embrace his destined path. His duet "No Power on Earth" with Ramses showcased painfully authentic brotherly conflict, with layered harmonies and emotional intensity that captivated the audience.
Ensemble Creates Immersive Experience
The production's ensemble proved to be its true vocal and visual foundation, descending from balconies during "Deliver Us" and emanating from theater aisles for "Through Heaven's Eyes." Their presence extended beyond the stage, transforming the cafeteria space into a living, breathing representation of ancient Egypt.
The ensemble's commitment extended to remarkable technical achievements:
- Mastering songs in Arabic and Hebrew while maintaining powerful vocal harmony
- Perfect synchronization in "Simcha" reflecting months of disciplined rehearsal
- Managing forty-five quick changes with over four hundred student-made costumes
- Creating era-specific gowns for Tzipporah and uniquely designed ensemble outfits
Despite these significant logistical demands, the ensemble maintained remarkable focus throughout the production, with scripts distributed as early as June allowing for thorough preparation. The scale of their effort demonstrated exceptional dedication to bringing this biblical epic to life through student theater.
The Alberta Youth Theatre Collective's review highlights how St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School's production of The Prince of Egypt successfully balanced ambitious technical requirements with emotional authenticity, creating a memorable theatrical experience that showcased the talents of Edmonton's young performers and production teams.
