Let My People Sing: The ‘Prince of Egypt’ Proshot Brings the Epic to the Stage—and Now, to Everyone
As a millennial raised on the DreamWorks animated classic The Prince of Egypt, I went into the proshot of the stage musical with cautious excitement. That 1998 film was nothing short of formative—visually stunning, emotionally rich, and musically legendary. It didn’t just tell the story of Moses; it thundered it. For many of us, it was our first introduction to epic storytelling through animation, and the songs—especially “Deliver Us,” “When You Believe,” and “The Plagues”—still slap (and sting) to this day.
So when I sat down to watch the professionally filmed London production of The Prince of Egypt musical, I was bracing for impact. Could a stage version possibly live up to the mythic proportions of the film? Would the music soar the same way? Would the emotion land without animation’s grand scope?
The answer: not only does it land—it lifts. Not always in the same way, and not without some differences, but the stage musical ultimately delivers a moving, visually striking interpretation of the story that stands on its own. And now that the show is officially licensable for schools and community theaters, a new generation will get the chance to tell this powerful tale live—and that’s a big deal.
[Warning: Spoilers from the The Prince of Egypt proshot are below!]
A new take on a DreamWorks favorite
First things first: this is not a carbon copy of the animated film, and that’s a good thing. While it preserves the essential structure of Moses’s journey from prince to prophet, the musical expands the narrative with a broader emotional palette and a deeper focus on relationships—especially between Moses and Ramses.
The musical gives the two brothers far more stage time together, allowing their bond (and eventual rift) to feel more personal and painful. This shift from “epic fate” to “intimate fallout” is one of the smartest choices the stage version makes. It doesn’t try to match the film’s scale with fire and spectacle (though there’s still plenty of that); instead, it centers on the human drama within the divine.
A mixed (but ambitious) musical score for The Prince of Egypt musical
Now, let’s talk music—because as a millennial, I came in ready to measure everything against the powerhouse that is the film’s soundtrack. Thankfully, Stephen Schwartz (who wrote the original songs for the film and is also behind Wicked) returned to expand the score. That continuity gives the musical a strong foundation, but the results are mixed.
The good: “Deliver Us” is still absolutely bone-rattling, and “When You Believe” remains a spiritual gut punch. The way the cast brings those numbers to life on stage—layered with movement, choreography, and tight harmonies—is stunning. “The Plagues” in particular becomes a stage-show highlight, with dynamic lighting and ensemble work that turns a haunting duet into a theatrical moment of biblical scale.
The not-so-good: Some of the new songs, while serviceable, don’t quite reach the emotional or musical heights of the originals. Tracks like “Footprints on the Sand” and “For the Rest of My Life” aim for character depth but often feel lyrically clunky or melodically flat by comparison. Still, they serve the story, and the cast sells them with conviction.
Visual storytelling, reimagined
What the stage version lacks in animation’s grandeur, it makes up for with choreography and stagecraft. The set is minimalist and symbolic, allowing for movement to take center stage. The use of modern dance to represent everything from chariot races to the parting of the Red Sea is inspired—sometimes abstract, sometimes literal, but always emotionally resonant.
The proshot captures this well, offering sweeping angles and close-ups that give audiences an intimate view of the action while still honoring the theatricality. It’s a beautifully filmed production that maintains the energy of a live show without over-editing.
From London to Local: the power of accessibility
Here’s the best part: this musical is now licensable. That means schools, churches, and community theaters can take this story into their own hands. And that’s huge.
Growing up, we didn’t have many shows that tackled faith, identity, and social justice with such grandeur and sincerity. Now that The Prince of Egypt is available for production, young performers will have the chance to sing these monumental songs, explore these timeless themes, and engage with a story that resonates across cultures and generations.
It’s especially meaningful given the current theatrical climate, where diversity, spirituality, and social change are more relevant than ever. This musical offers roles for performers of all backgrounds, and when done with care and cultural respect, it can be a transformative experience for both cast and audience.
Final thoughts on The Prince of Egypt proshot
The Prince of Egypt proshot is more than a nostalgia trip. It’s a bold, if imperfect, retelling of a legendary story that dares to do more than just recreate its animated predecessor. It deepens characters, expands the world, and invites us to see Moses’s journey not just as one of liberation, but of personal growth, forgiveness, and faith.
As a millennial who wore out their VHS copy of the original film, I didn’t expect the stage version to hit me quite as hard. But by the time the final notes of “When You Believe” echoed through my living room, I found myself moved not just by the music—but by the legacy this story continues to carry.
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