If you’ve ever been moved by the story of Moses through film, faith, or unforgettable music, The Prince of Egypt likely holds a special place in your heart. From its sweeping soundtrack to its powerful themes of identity and freedom, this timeless story has resonated with generations. Now, it’s coming to life in a whole new way, live on stage at the Manitou Opera House.
Candlewick Productions’ musical adaptation of The Prince of Egypt runs July 25–27 and August 1–3 at the historic Manitou Opera House, with evening shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and matinees on Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
A story of brothers, destiny, and deliverance
At its core, The Prince of Egypt isn’t just a retelling of Exodus; it’s a deeply personal story about family, identity, and calling. That emotional depth is what drew actor Jeff Franz to the production.“It’s the story of the Exodus told from the point of view of Moses,” said Franz, who plays Seti, the Pharaoh and father of Ramesses. “It really focuses in on the relationship between Moses as an adopted child of the Pharaoh and his brother Ramesses… two brothers who end up on opposite sides, both just trying to do their best.”
Franz says that framing makes the story more accessible and moving for modern audiences. “It’s so relatable. It makes it just a wonderful thing to watch. It’s fantastic.”
Movie magic meets creative stagecraft
If you’re wondering how Candlewick plans to take such a visually ambitious film and adapt it for the stage, especially scenes like the Ten Plagues, you’re not alone.“We couldn’t find a way to bring a plague of locusts and frogs onto the stage,” Franz joked. “But we ended up doing it very symbolically… and if you do it right, and I think we do... it works.”
Director Richard Klassen is no stranger to pulling off stage spectacles with limited resources. Franz credits him with grounding the show in emotion and meaning, rather than technical wizardry. “Richard always does a fantastic job,” said Franz. “He gets down to the base of the issue. While all of us are getting bogged down in ‘it’s gotta be locusts, it’s gotta be frogs,’ he goes, ‘no, it’s gotta be the Egyptians being overwhelmed.’ And from there, it’s always something much simpler to bring to the stage.”
A cast full of local talent you’ll love
While Candlewick’s productions often feel like Broadway-calibre performances, what makes them special is the heart behind them. These aren’t paid professionals, they’re your neighbours. “We’re not doing this because we think we’re amazing or important,” Franz said. “We’re doing this because we like acting, and we like being there. And that comes through when we do what we do.”
Still, don’t mistake "local” for "low-budget". “Some of us are very good at what we do,” said Franz. “Augustus, who’s playing Moses, is an absolutely fabulous actor. And some of the singers… You listen to Jen as Jochebed singing, and you’re not going to believe that’s a real person. You’re going to assume we’re playing a recording.”
A role rooted in ancient history
Franz plays Seti, the Pharaoh at the beginning of the story, a historical figure who ruled Egypt before his son Ramesses the Great. “He was legitimately very impressive,” Franz explained. “He reconquered a city called Kadesh in the Levant, which his son Ramesses tried to retake multiple times. One of those efforts even led to one of the earliest recorded peace treaties, and we can still find that treaty and read it today.”
Seti also plays a key role in shaping the relationship between Moses and Ramesses. “At the beginning of the play, Moses and Ramesses clearly care about each other, but they’re starting to realize that only one of them will be Pharaoh,” said Franz. “There’s this solo where Moses sings, ‘I’m just Moses… I’m just the spare we didn’t end up needing.’ That theme of wondering whether you’ll be remembered; it comes back over and over, right to the finale.”
Why you don’t want to miss this
There’s no shortage of live entertainment in Manitoba during the summer, but The Prince of Egypt promises something uniquely powerful, a blend of heartfelt storytelling, jaw-dropping music, and raw local passion. “You’re going to want to come watch us because we have a good time,” Franz said. “You could go watch a major production in Winnipeg, and they’re amazing, but we’re doing this because we love it. And that energy… You can feel it.”
Showtimes and ticket info
The Prince of Egypt runs July 25–27 and August 1–3 at the Manitou Opera House, with evening shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and matinees on Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
Tickets and details are available at candlewick.ca.