by Ariel Finkle, URI Class of 2023
Though I’m a self-proclaimed theater nerd and enthusiast, I typically don’t pay attention to any musicals that are staged outside of the United States. But recently, a British musical broke through my bubble: The Prince of Egypt. That’s right: There is now a musical adaptation of Dreamworks Animation’s 1998 hit film The Prince of Egypt.
Learning of the musical adaptation made me reflect on how influential the film was, even 22 years after its release. There are so many reasons: I could talk for days about the soundtrack (“The Plagues!” “All I Ever Wanted!” “Deliver Us!”), the masterful animation (the huge crowd in the 10 commandments scene at the end!), and the character foils and parallels (did someone say Miriam is singing a slow reprise of her mother’s song?? I’m already sobbing!). Plus, The Prince of Egypt had behind-the-scenes consultation and approval from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian scholars (!!!).
But, upon my millionth re-watch, I realized something else: The Prince of Egypt is basically a superhero movie.
Seriously.
Read the rest of Ariel's wonderful article on the Hey Alma website!
Learning of the musical adaptation made me reflect on how influential the film was, even 22 years after its release. There are so many reasons: I could talk for days about the soundtrack (“The Plagues!” “All I Ever Wanted!” “Deliver Us!”), the masterful animation (the huge crowd in the 10 commandments scene at the end!), and the character foils and parallels (did someone say Miriam is singing a slow reprise of her mother’s song?? I’m already sobbing!). Plus, The Prince of Egypt had behind-the-scenes consultation and approval from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian scholars (!!!).
But, upon my millionth re-watch, I realized something else: The Prince of Egypt is basically a superhero movie.
Seriously.
Read the rest of Ariel's wonderful article on the Hey Alma website!
