UMO Theatre to Present The Prince of Egypt April 17–19

By: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations

The University of Mount Olive Theatre Arts program will present its spring production of The Prince of Egypt April 17–19 in Hazel Waters Kornegay Assembly Hall. The production marks the first full-scale musical of this magnitude in the University’s history.

Directed by Holly Rector, the production represents both a bold artistic step forward and the fulfillment of a vision that began in 2019, when Rector and her husband, Lester, first came to campus with plans to launch a musical theatre component at UMO.

Briannica Petway portrays Tuya, wife of Pharaoh Seti and mother of Ramses. In this pivotal moment, she discovers the baby Moses along the banks of the Nile and makes the life-altering decision to raise him as her own son, unknowingly shaping the future of Egypt.

“We were planning to do Beauty and the Beast,” Rector said. “We had workshopped scenes over several semesters. But when the licensure became unavailable, I had to pivot. As I started scrolling through other options, I realized this might be a good thing.”

That pivot led her to The Prince of Egypt, the stage adaptation of the DreamWorks animated film based on the life of Moses. As she began looking through other options, Rector realized it might actually be a blessing. She had directed other Biblically based productions before, but this one felt fresh and timely for where UMO is in its program. “I’ve never directed it. I’ve never been in it. I’ve never even seen The Prince of Egypt live,” she said. “Personally, I wanted to try something fresh. But once I got into it, I realized this is a very big, mature and serious show. Probably the largest I’ve ever directed.”

Walking through Hazel Waters Kornegay Assembly Hall in the weeks leading up to opening night reveals evidence of preparation in every corner of the more than 100-year-old building. Two eight-foot tables in the hallway hold beads and baubles as students assemble ornate necklaces meant to replicate ancient Egyptian adornment. Large foam panels on stage are covered with carefully painted hieroglyphics. Costumes hang in organized clusters, and quick-change areas are mapped out backstage.

Chorus members portray the Hebrew slaves in Egypt, crying out for deliverance. Front and center is Yesenia Artiles in the role of Miriam, joined by Dasha Pantoja and Parker Ginn

The cast is relatively small for a production of this scale, but the workload is anything but. Students are serving in dual and often triple roles. As soon as they exit the stage from one scene, they transform into backstage crew members, helping with quick costume changes, props, lighting cues, and sound adjustments. “This is a low-budget production,” Rector acknowledged. “Our students are the backstage crew. They’re safety pinning costumes, organizing props, and running sound and lights. As soon as they come off stage, they go right into another responsibility.”

The chorus is largely drawn from UMO’s Concert Choir, with approximately 60 percent of participants being music majors. The principal cast includes a similar mix of music and non-music students, many of whom are members of Carolina Sound and upperclassmen Rector has mentored through previous workshops. What has surprised her most, however, is the vocal power of the ensemble. “The singing ability is going to blow people away,” she said. “The music is absolutely beautiful. When they performed ‘Deliver Us’ last semester, they sounded better than the Broadway soundtrack. It was full and dynamic and stunning.”

The production also benefits from a brand-new, state-of-the-art sound system approved by UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom earlier this year. While lighting and stage effects remain limited due to budget constraints, Rector believes the sound alone will create an immersive experience. “You’re going to feel it,” she said. “The sound will wrap around you.”

Makayla Smith, dance captain and chorus member, performs in the powerful opening sequence depicting the infant Moses being tossed about by the river in a woven basket.

As a private Christian institution, UMO offers Rector the freedom to be intentional about the types of productions staged on campus. “One of the things I love about being at a small, private Christian school is that we can be selective,” she said. “We will never ask a student to compromise their faith to perform here.”

Though she is clear that The Prince of Egypt is not a fully Biblically accurate retelling and was written as entertainment, Rector believes it aligns closely with the values she hopes to cultivate in the program. “There are beautiful moments that glorify God,” she said. “If you come expecting a theological debate, you may be disappointed. But if you come ready to experience a powerful story about deliverance, faithfulness, and even reconciliation between brothers, you’ll find something meaningful.”

One of her favorite moments occurs during a dramatic confrontation in Act II, when Moses, Miriam, and Aaron boldly proclaim, “Thus saith the Lord.” “When that scene finally came together in rehearsal, I got chills,” Rector said. “There’s something different when students truly believe what they’re singing. Many of them love the Lord deeply, and you can sense that connection.”

Beyond performance skills, Rector views the production as a discipleship and leadership opportunity. Several students in the new Worship Arts concentration had never acted or danced before. “They came here to lead worship, not necessarily to perform in musicals,” she said. “But pushing themselves creatively has made them stronger communicators and more confident leaders.”

“This production represents ‘ground zero,’” Rector said, for the growth of musical theatre at UMO. Though lighting equipment, expanded staging, and costume enhancements remain on her wish list, she views this show as the foundation for future expansion. “For where we are today and where we’re starting, I’m really pleased,” she said. “With community support, ticket sales, and continued investment, we will grow. We’re off to a good start.”

Chamonne Roberts stands front and center portraying Aaron.

She also hopes the experience will signal to prospective students and families that UMO can be a safe, spiritually grounded training ground for those drawn to the performing arts. “There are students who love the arts but don’t know where it’s safe to go,” she said. “Here, they can grow spiritually and artistically without compromising who they are.”

Performances of The Prince of Egypt will be held in Hazel Waters Kornegay Assembly Hall on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, at 6 PM, witlh a Sunday matinee on April 19 at 4 PM.  The show runs approximately two hours and 20 minutes and includes an intermission. Tickets may be reserved online at umo.edu/Prince-of-Egypt.

As preparations continue inside the creaking wooden floors of the historic hall, one sound rises above all others: the voices of students lifting powerful harmonies that promise to move and inspire audiences. “We hope people leave encouraged,” Rector said. “Encouraged by the faithfulness of God. Encouraged to maybe even go read the story of Moses for themselves. And encouraged by what these students have accomplished.”