A Night of Magic: The Prince of Egypt at CASA 0101 Theater

(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — Boyle Heights, CA — The Hollywood Press Corps had the pleasure of attending a mesmerizing performance of The Prince of Egypt at CASA 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights, California. Directed by the passionate Rigo Tejeda and featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, this musical adaptation takes audiences on a captivating journey through the wonders of ancient Egypt.

The story follows two young men, Ramses and Moses, who are raised as brothers in the Egyptian kingdom but find themselves divided by their heritage—Moses being Hebrew. This powerful narrative of courage, perseverance, and divine guidance resonates deeply, showcasing Moses’ journey from slavery to freedom. Tejeda, who has long aspired to direct this musical, emphasized the importance of casting and the emotional depth each performer brings to the stage. The themes of identity and heritage play a significant role in the story, as Moses grapples with his Hebrew roots and the implications they have on his life. The bond between Moses and Ramses serves as a central focus, highlighting the complexities of brotherhood and loyalty, especially when faced with moral dilemmas.

Faith is another crucial theme, as Moses’ transformation is marked by moments of divine intervention and guidance. The narrative emphasizes the importance of believing in a higher purpose and the strength that faith provides in times of adversity. The struggle for freedom is prominent as well, with Moses seeking to liberate the Hebrew people from slavery, resonating with historical and contemporary struggles for human rights. 

Technically, CASA 0101 continues to inspire theatre lovers. The Prince of Egypt production was another fine example of state-of-the-art sets. There was a projection map used for the parting of the Red Sea. Also, the cast members were used to represent the burning bush.

Courage and perseverance shine through as Moses confronts obstacles in his journey, embodying the idea that true strength lies in standing up against injustice. The themes of redemption and forgiveness encourage reflection on personal growth and the capacity to change, emphasizing compassion in reconciling relationships. Throughout the story, the significance of community and the role of a leader in guiding others is highlighted, showcasing the responsibilities that come with power and the impact one person can have on the lives of many.

The cast of The Prince of Egypt was nothing short of extraordinary. Highlights include Julian Armaya as Seti, whose impressive vocal range and Brooklyn charm captivated the audience; Christopher D. Baker, delivering a standout performance that brought depth to the character of Jethro; and Joslynn Cortese as Tzipporah, whose powerful voice truly brought the character to life. Diego Huerta-Gutierrez as Moses shone brightly with infectious energy and charisma, reminiscent of a young James Franco. The musical direction by Gabrielle Maldonado and choreography by Tania Possick enhanced the overall experience, making for a dynamic performance filled with emotion. Danielle Johnson played a striking Queen Tuya. Neledi Miga was also stunning, as she really owned the role of Ramses’ wife Nefertari. Tal Toker as Hotep delivered a powerful performance; his performance reminded me of Game of Thrones. Christopher J Thumé as Ramses II was a real treat. He was a great foil to Diego playing Moses. Chrissi Erickson was passionate in her role. Sofia Lopez brought a lot of youthful energy as Young Miriam.

Emmanuel Deleage, the Executive Director of CASA 0101, opened the evening by sharing the theater’s rich history and its commitment to community engagement through youth programs. It was inspiring to see young performers from CASA 0101’s youth theater program take the stage, showcasing their professionalism and talent. The visual effects were also a highlight, particularly the stunning portrayal of the parting of the Red Sea, accomplished through clever use of curtains and projections that left the audience in awe.

The night was made even more special by the festive atmosphere in Boyle Heights. As the crew lit the Christmas tree outside the library just down the street, the community came together, filled with excitement and anticipation for the musical. The pleasant weather and joyful mood of the attendees added to the enchanting experience.

Overall, The Prince of Egypt at CASA 0101 was a remarkable production that left the audience cheering for more. The combination of a talented cast, a compelling story, and a vibrant community spirit made for an unforgettable evening. If you’re in the Boyle Heights area, this is a must-see production—tickets are just $35, with a special price of $25 for Boyle Heights residents. For those who love theater and inspiring stories, The Prince of Egypt is a shining example of what community art can achieve. 

The show will now continue for three more weeks playing on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. through December 21, 2025in the Gloria Molina Auditorium at CASA 0101 Theater, 2102 East First Street, Los Angeles, CA  90033.  To view performance footage from the show, please visit:  https://youtu.be/8Y4CW_To2os

This show is recommended for children ages 8 and up.  Children three and under will not be permitted.  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