By Cris Franco
The Bible’s Moses story told in the book of Exodus has been the subject of many films, documentaries and series with The Ten Commandments being the grandaddy of them all. So much so that to this day an Easter week cannot pass without the 1956 blockbuster being broadcast repeatedly starring Charlton Heston in his most Technicolor role. But perhaps the most notable version is DreamWorks’ ingenious 1998 animated musical film, The Prince of Egypt. Featuring songs by America’s greatest living theater composer Stephen Schwartz of Wicked fame, Angelinos will soon get to see the unique stage adaptation of this retelling of how Moses discovers his Hebrew heritage and leads his people to freedom from slavery in ancient Egypt. This musical’s central plot focuses on the powerful bond between Moses and his adoptive brother, Ramses, who are torn apart by their diverging destinies.
Although DreamWorks crafted a family friendly animated feature film, it was not without controversy. The movie was challenged for its depiction of prophets (forbidden by Islam), assigning God a male gender, emphasizing the not-Biblically accurate storyline of fraternity between Moses and Ramses, and its disputed portrayal of Egyptians’ violent mistreatment of the enslaved Jews.
Despite these hurdles, The Prince of Egypt had a remarkable debut and was universally praised as “stunning” (L.A. Times); “a breakthrough” (New York Times); and “an outstanding artistic achievement!” (Variety). Stephen Hunter from The Washington Post lauded the film, writing, “The movie’s proudest accomplishment is that it revises our version of Moses towards something more immediate and believable, more humanly knowable.” The film went on to become the most successful, top-grossing non-Disney animated film to date. A fan base grew around the film as musical afficionados speculated that a live theatrical version was in order. After all many animated films had already been successfully adapted into hugely profitable Broadway shows like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin – why not The Prince Egypt? Fans were overjoyed when in 2020 it was announced that Stephen Shwartz had written additional songs for London’s new West End live theatrical version. It is that much heralded stage adaptation that the creatives at Casa 0101 are so excited to be presenting November 22 to December 21, 2025.
Casa’s Founding Artistic Director, Josefina López, is thrilled to take on this daring project, saying, “My dream of starting my own theater 25 years ago has flourished successfully over the years to bring us to this point where we are presenting one of the most epic stories of all time on our stage. I am so proud of our artistic work and overjoyed. Here’s to the next 25 years!”
Emmanuel Deleague, Producer and Executive Director of CASA 0101 Theater is equally effusive: “This production will amaze audiences. It is truly a Broadway caliber play in an intimate theater setting. I am very grateful for (director) Rigo Tejeda’s big vision and the entire cast and crew’s dedication to breathe life into this epic story. But beyond the spectacle of this production, the story is what matters, locating your moral compass and having the courage to act in the face of adversity and fear. I believe this play will leave our audiences inspired.”
“I am beyond excited to be directing this classic story based on the Book of Exodus as a staged musical,” says director, Rigo Tejeda. He continued, “ I remember as a child always eagerly looking forward to watching the film, The Ten Commandments, on television and being awed by the production values of the story telling. That sense of wonderment and pageantry through the marriage of glorious music, choreography, costumes, sets and special effects is what audiences who come to see this production will experience.”
Producer Abel Alvarado adds, “There will be over 60 costumes in this new production designed and/or assembled by Tony Iniguez, Costume Designer for RuPaul’s Drag Race, which has won 27 Primetime Emmy Awards. Iniguez’s creations have also appeared on Bravo’s Botched, Next Top Model and Saturday Night Live, and he has dressed stars like Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain and Beyonce.”
The cast of principal actors include (Actors Equity*): Diego Huerta-Gutierrez* (of Santa Ana, CA) as Moses (Actors Equity); Christopher J Thumé (of Studio City, CA) as Ramses; Joslynn Cortes* (of Sherman Oaks, CA) as Tzipporah (Actors Equity); Jabriel Daniels (of Los Angeles, CA) as Seti/Jethro; Chrissi Erickson (Highland Park, CA) as Miriam; Aiden Ricardo Heredia (of South Los Angeles, CA) as Young Aaron; Danielle Johnson (of Glendale, CA) as Queen Tuya; Sammy J Kohler (of Escondido, CA) as Aaron/Guard; Naledi Miga (of Koreatown, CA) as Nefertari; Sofia López(of Riverside, CA) as Young Miriam/Leah; Tal Toker (of Chatsworth, CA) as Hotep; and Toni Elizabeth White* (of West Hollywood, CA) as Yocheved (Actors Equity).
The talented singing and dancing ensemble include: Julian Armaya, Christopher D. Baker, Aaron Gibbs, Kayleigh Long, Gabriella Ortiz* (Actors Equity), Emily Ann Pember, Faith Perez, Alyssa Rojas, Joseph Rosales and Abraxaz Efrain Sanchez López.
Both Tania Possick (Choreographer) and Gabrielle Maldonado (Music Director) are experienced professionals who are going to bring great song and movement to this glorious production.
This writer, along with all the theater community are excited about Casa 0101’s commitment to presenting innovative musical theater like The Prince of Egypt to the Los Angeles. Once again, this is a rarely produced piece whose message of speaking truth to power is an inspiration in our times. This show is a “must see!” Bring the whole familia to experience the joy and majesty of The Prince of Egypt.
WHO & WHAT: CASA 0101 Theater presents DreamWorks THE PRINCE OF EGYPT: THE MUSICAL.
WHERE: Gloria Molina Auditorium at CASA 0101 Theater, 2102 East First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033
WHEN: Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m., November 22 – December 21, 2025.
TICKETS: $35.00 per person for General Admission; $30.00 per person for Students and Seniors 60+, $25 per person for Boyle Heights residents & Groups of 10 of more. For tickets, please call the CASA 0101 Theater Box Office at 323-263-7684, E-mail tickets@casa0101.org or buy online at www.casa0101.org<http://www.casa0101.org>
AGE APPROPRIATENESS: This show is recommended for children ages 8 and up. Children three and under will not be permitted.
GALLERY: A free art exhibit entitled “Always Running: Photography by Luis J. Rodriguez,” (Los Angeles’ Poet Laureate from 2014-2016) will be open to attendees. The exhibit includes images related to Rodriguez’s book, “ALWAYS RUNNING: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A.”
PARKING: Free parking is available on several streets surrounding the theatre. Limited free parking is available at the Boyle Heights City Hall Parking Lot located at 2130 East First Street (at Chicago Street) by entering the lot from Chicago Street.
CASA 0101 Theater Supported in Part By: The State of California, Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture, National Latinx Theater Initiative, Herb Alpert Foundation, Perenchio Foundation, The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, California Arts Council, U.S. Bank, The Herb Block Foundation and the David Lee Foundation.
For All Show Info: visit www.casa0101.org<http://www.casa0101.org>