PRINCE OF EGYPT: St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School

Read the Top 5 Reviews! All reviews are written by high school students in the Edmonton and surrounding area.

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The Prince of Egypt - St. Oscar Romero Highschool

By Abby Solomon

Archbishop MacDonald Catholic High School

As two towering dog-headed pillars stared unflinchingly into the audience and the piercing call of Ramses Abella’s trumpet, St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School’s production of The Prince of Egypt began not with subtlety, but with a spectacle. From the first note, the audience understood that this unorthodox theatre space had changed into something far greater, an empire on the brink of godly reckoning.

The Prince of Egypt is a musical drama, originally presented in 1998 as a DreamWorks animated film. It is a unique retelling of the biblical story of Moses and his struggles, highlighted by Stephen Schwartz’s dramatic compositions. For those unfamiliar with this story, the production explores ideas of brotherhood and liberation against a backdrop of divine reawakening and political power. Known for its large-scale spectacles,

like the plague of Locusts to the partition of the Red Sea, the musical demands vocal prowess and captivating depth, all of which St. Oscar Romero high school's production delivered perfectly and with ambition.

Jian Circulado, a Grade 12 student, took on the challenging role of Moses, bringing this biblical character to life with his seemingly heartfelt emotions and vocals. From his early moments as a royal prince to his powerful transformation into a reluctant leader, Circulado carried his character with remarkable sincerity. One of the most striking visual moments came when Moses wiped away his royal blue eye makeup, symbolically shedding his former identity and embracing his new destiny. Additionally, in “No Power on Earth,” Circulado’s connection with Ramses felt painfully authentic, a duet of brotherhood unraveling as they

sang through opposing aisles of the theatre, their layered harmonies and emotions keeping the audience engaged.

The ensemble proved to be the true voice of the production, whether it was descending from the balcony during “Deliver Us” or emanating from the aisles for “Through Heaven’s Eyes.” Their presence went far beyond the stage, transforming their cafeteria space into a living, breathing Egypt. The ensemble's commitment went well beyond choreography; the cast tackled the challenge of singing songs in Arabic and Hebrew, learning an unfamiliar language while still maintaining powerful vocal harmony amongst one another. Particularly in “Simcha,” their synchronization reflected months of disciplined rehearsal, with their

scripts given as early as June. The scale of their effort was equally staggering, ranging from Tzipporah’s era- specific gowns to the ensemble's uniquely designed outfits; there were forty-five quick changes and over four hundred student made costumes, that despite the logistical demands, the ensemble never broke apart from their focus.

The technical elements were equally as impressive. Fifteen hand-crafted Styrofoam mud blocks, painted meticulously with hieroglyphics, transformed throughout the performance, their pristine surfaces later revealed as cracked and crumbling during the plagues. The moment the river turned to blood was particularly intriguing, as red lighting flooded the space and a glowing orb rolled through the audience while smoke curled between the chairs. From hand-embroidered costume details to hidden microphone designs

incorporated into the High Priest's makeup, the production demonstrated remarkable student ingenuity.

From its trumpet-led opening to emotional finale, St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School’s production of The Prince of Egypt stood as a testament to the ambition and drive of high school theatre. With powerful vocals and clear artistic vision, the cast transformed a space never intended to be a theatre into a vivid Ancient Egypt, telling a moving story of faith, power, and transformation. In the final moments, Moses stood no longer as a prince of Egypt, but as a leader of his people, a quiet yet powerful image that lingered long after

the final note for all those lucky enough to watch.

Deliver Us a Spectacle!

By Leonie Habis

Mother Margaret Mary

“When you believe, somehow you will.” The Oscar Romero Drama Troop truly took this statement to

heart, bringing the powerful story of The Prince of Egypt to life. From the emotionally charged musical

numbers to the thoughtful staging, their passion and dedication to this production shined through in every scene. The cast and crew created a moving theatrical experience, reminding audiences why this story continues to resonate.

The musical tells the tale of Moses, a Hebrew child raised as an Egyptian prince, who must confront his past and embrace his true identity. Torn between a life of privilege and the suffering of his people, he rises to face the Pharaoh and lead his people towards freedom. Originally created by Stephen Schwartz, this musical brings this timeless story of leadership and perseverance to life on stage.

Moses and Rameses, played by Jian Circulado and Ramses Abella, share a convincing brotherly bond that anchors the musical’s emotional moments. Vocally, both demonstrated incredible singing abilities, especially as their voices blended in their duets “Make It Right” and “Always On Your Side”. Jaelyn Cantos, who played Tzipporah, displayed remarkable talent, both in her singing and choreography. In her solo “Dance to the Day”, her voice shone with Arabic-styled ornamentation, adding depth and authenticity to her role. That, along with her fluid, expressive choreography made it impossible for her skill to go unnoticed.

Romero’s ensemble cannot go unmentioned, as their presence formed the foundation of the show. The harmonies and backing vocals from the Hebrews and Elementals added rich texture and emotional weight, elevating the leads without overshadowing them. Functioning as a “human set,” they defined each scene, creating spatial dynamics purely through positioning and movement. Even as background characters, their expressions conveyed emotion that enhanced the storytelling. Numbers like the opening “Deliver Us”

and the dramatic “The Plagues” showcased their seamless blend of vocal power and intricate choreography, setting the tone and driving the production’s momentum from start to finish.

The technical design of Prince of Egypt was a masterclass in detail and craftsmanship. The costume team, led by Kacey Nedamo and Mae Dizon, had over 440 pieces, over 200 handmade, each reflecting careful historical research. Set and design, led by Avril Paleracio and Hannah Ilardo, was equally as impressive, featuring handmade,handpainted mudblocks with hieroglyphs individually drawn. Lighting, crafted by lighting

lead Jake Li ranged from the intense red glow of the burning bush to the soft, heavenly illumination closing Act 1, heightening the show. These elements created a visually stunning theatrical experience that kept the audience, and myself, fully immersed.

St. Oscar Romero’s production of The Prince of Egypt showcased their drama troop’s incredible talent and dedication. The result was a truly spectacular and memorable show that I know their audience will never forget.

From stage to soul

By Navdeep Kaur

McNally High School

From the moment the first note pierces the theatre's silence, it is clear that St. Oscar Romero High School’s production of The Prince of Egypt is not your typical high school play; it is an immersive, visceral experience that breathes new life into an ancient epic.

Based on the musical by Stephen Schwartz, the story follows the emotional journey of two

brothers, Moses and Rameses, caught between their love for each other and the weight of their empires. Under the ambitious direction of Enza Ritacco and the vocal guidance of Mark Laraya and Kayla Ritacco, the production transcends the limits of a school cafeteria, transforming it into a world of sand, stone, and spirit. But what makes this production stick with you isn’t just the famous plot; it’s the sheer level of detail and creativity the students poured into every frame.

The experience of the show is defined by its constant, kinetic energy. The most striking element is the living set. Rather than relying on static wood and paint, the cast uses their own bodies to create the environment. Whether they are forming the jagged edges of a secret room or the shifting dunes of the desert, the stage feels alive. This fluid staging, paired with over 400 precise lighting cues, ensures that the audience isn’t just watching a story—they are caught in the middle of it.

The evidence of the production’s success lies in the seamless harmony between the technical and the performative. Vocally, the show is a triumph. The cast tackles complex Hebrew harmonies with a professional chilling resonance, led by the powerhouse performances of Jian Circulado (Moses) and Ramses Abella (Rameses). Their chemistry captures the tragic shift from brotherhood to rivalry with heartbreaking sincerity.

Supporting them is a monumental wardrobe effort; the 440 costumes, hundreds

of which were handmade, provide a rich, tactile texture to the world, from the tattered clothes of the slaves to the regal gold of the palace.

The stage management team deserves a standing ovation of their own. Executing dozens of

quick changes and navigating a "living set" requires a level of discipline and precision that kept the show’s momentum soaring. The choreography, too, felt organic and powerful, using the ensemble to simulate everything from chariots to the very elements of nature without ever breaking the emotional spell.

What works so well here is the balance of spectacle and soul. While the technical feats are

massive, they never overshadow the human story at the center. This production is a reminder of what happens when a cast and crew are completely all in. It’s a high-energy, visually stunning achievement that proves you don’t need a Broadway budget to create a masterpiece, just a lot of heart and a brilliant use of space.

Parting the Halls: St. Oscar Romero Brings The Prince of Egypt to Life

By Maxime Morin

Strathcona High School

St. Oscar Romero’s production of The Prince of Egypt felt less like a typical high school musical and more

like a full-scale theatrical event. From the first note, it was clear this cast wasn’t just performing a story,

they were building an entire world and inviting the audience inside.

What truly set this production apart was the ensemble. Rather than fading into the background, they became the heartbeat of the show. Through carefully crafted movement and powerful choral work, the ensemble functioned as a living, breathing set. Walls, waves, crowds, and even tension itself were created through bodies and voices. The cast used every corner of their uniquely shaped stage, transforming the space into something immersive and dynamic. At times, actors surrounded the audience, creating a kind of human surround sound. The harmonies wrapped around the theatre, rich and layered, giving songs an emotional depth that felt far beyond what you’d expect from a high school

production.

The vocal performances were stunning across the board. Big ensemble numbers filled the space with confidence and clarity, while quieter moments allowed individual voices to shine. There was a strong sense of unity in the sound, especially in the more intense group scenes, where the blend of voices carried both power and vulnerability.

At the center of it all was the relationship between Moses and Ramses. Circulado and Abella brought real nuance to their bond, balancing brotherhood, rivalry, and heartbreak with impressive maturity. Their chemistry made the emotional stakes feel genuine. You could see the layers of shared history in the way they looked at each other, especially as their paths began to divide. It wasn’t just a conflict between leader and ruler; it felt personal. That depth gave the story weight and made the final confrontations land with real impact.

The costume design deserves special recognition. With over 400 unique pieces, nearly half of them fully handcrafted, the visual storytelling was extraordinary. Each costume felt intentional and detailed, helping distinguish status, culture, and character arcs. The scale alone is impressive, but the craftsmanship elevated the entire production. Flowing fabrics, textured layers, and carefully chosen colors created a vibrant, cohesive world on stage.

What makes this production so memorable is the ambition behind it. The Prince of Egypt is no small undertaking, and St. Oscar Romero embraced its scale with confidence. Through inventive staging, a powerhouse ensemble, thoughtful character work, and breathtaking design, they transformed their stage into something truly cinematic.

It wasn’t just a school show. It was an experience, and one I won't forget anytime soon. Can't wait to see what Romero does in the future!

“Deliver Us” That's What They Did

By Hunter Lafleur

M.E LaZerte High School

An inspiring retelling of faith, freedom, courage, and justice for one's own. Backed by explosive performance. St. Oscar Romero High School’s Prince of Egypt, written by Stephen Schwartz and beautifully directed by Enza Ritacco, is a show that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. Presented with unmatched passion and remarkable skill. The students of Oscar Romero have cemented their performance in not only stone but the minds and hearts of all who had the pleasure of witnessing it.

With such a large ensemble cast, every performer revelled in their own way, leaving their mark and contributing to the marvel of the show. The company showcased a wide variety of skills and succeeded in capturing the audience's attention from beginning to end. One stellar performance I'd specifically like to shed light on is Samantha Isorena’s rendition of Yocheved. Samantha's outstanding acting and masterful vocals left the audience stunned and impressed. Her solo performance in the musical's opening number “Deliver Us” triggered a shockwave of goosebumps up my arms and neck. Every facial expression and physical choice served to convey the heart-wrenching, yet tender struggle of the

character. Samantha's infectious stage presence paired seamlessly with the emotional vulnerability of the number. Every moment that Samantha was on stage completely and utterly blessed the audience. Leaving us with an unmatched sense of satisfaction.

This production's dedication to historical accuracy and intricate detail was staggering. The costuming from Kacey Nedamo and Mae Dizon interwoven with the brilliant work from the makeup head Loraine Ituriaga overall heightened the production and contributed to a profound sense of authenticity and familiarity with the characters and world. Jake Li’s lighting deliberately guided the audience through every silhouette and isolated moment the audience wanted to see. Every color on stage was utilized to invoke specific moods and highlight key themes.

The inclusion of student choreography from Olivia Ablhilash, Nathalie Salas, and Sean Serrano added depth, dynamics, and passion to the storytelling. Their hypnotic dance sequences, structured stage pictures, and unique visual storytelling elevated each musical number. My personal highlights included: Deliver Us, Faster, Dance to The Day, Through Heaven’s Eyes, Act I Finale and When You Believe. Each of these numbers enriched the production and sustained entertainment from start to finish.

Overall St. Oscar Romero High School's production of Prince of Egypt was the epitome of youth-driven excellence. The effort invested into this show was clearly demonstrated – from the choreography, makeup, props, set, lighting, projections, and sound design – making this performance unforgettable. The effort they put into this show served to, just like Moses, deliver us an unforgettable experience.