BCBGMaxAzria Entertainment (founded by fashion designer Max Azria and Charles Cohen) and 7Art present the show which began previews at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, Sept. 21.
Kilmer, known for his roles in the films "The Doors" and "Top Gun," plays Moses opposite Kevin Earley (Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Ramses, Lauren Kennedy (Side Show) as Nefertari and Ipale as Seti. The principal cast will also include Adam Lambert as Josue, Alisan Porter as Miriam, Nita Whitaker as Ziporrah, Luba Mason as Bithia, Michele Pereira as Yokebed and Nicholas Rodriguez as Aaron.
The ensemble also includes Yassmin Alers, Tania Ante, Steve Bermundo, Demian Boergadine, David Brouwer, Nikki Crawford, Aisha Francis, Ray Garcia, Brandon Henschel, Andrew Hoeft, Tara Nicole Hughes, Christa Jackson, Caryn Kaplan, Samantha Lee, Allan Louis, Brian Love, Craig Michael Lucas, Mark Luna, Leo Moctezuma, Rick Negron, Ted Napolitano, Digo Padovan, Graham Phillips, Claude Racine, Matt Sergorr, Brendan Silver, Spring, Michon Suyansa, Shawn Thompson, Indira Tyler, Darian Weiss and Carlton Wilborn.
The Ten Commandments, which previously played in Europe, has undergone revisions with a new production team for its American debut. The musical features music by film composer Patrick Leonard and lyrics by Maribeth Derry. Pascal Obispo penned the original score.
Robert Iscove (Peter Pan with Sandy Duncan) directs the grand-scale musical that will features a cast of dancers and singers. He will work with the original Paris staging's director, French film auteur Elie Chouraqui ("Harrison's Flowers") — who founded 7Art. The design feature sets by Giantito Burchiellaro and costumes by Azria. Kilmer has experience with the role, having voiced Moses for the animated musical "The Prince of Egypt." The Juilliard-trained actor has appeared Off-Broadway in The Slab Boys, Henry IV Part I, Tis Pity She's a Whore and How It All Began. Other film work includes "Top Secret," "Real Genius," "Willow," "Tombstone," "Batman Forever," "Heat," "The Island of Dr. Moreau," "The Ghost and the Darkness," "The Saint," "At First Sight," "Pollock," "The Salton Sea" and "Wonderland."
The capitalization, producer Cohen told Variety, would be in the range of $10-$15 million. Following its Los Angeles debut, The Ten Commandments is expected to tour to major venues in North America with a possible stop at Radio City Music Hall.
For tickets to The Ten Commandments: The Spectacle Musical at the Kodak, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., call (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-7878. For more information, visit the website at www.the10com.com.
