Presented by BCBGMaxAzria Entertainment (founded by fashion designer Max Azria and Charles Cohen) and 7Art, the show is set to part its Red Sea at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, CA, Sept. 18 and open Sept. 27.
Kilmer, known for his roles in "The Doors" and "Top Gun," will play 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 Joshua, Alisan Porter as Miriam, Nita Whitaker as Ziporrah, Luba Mason as Bithia, Michele Pereira as Yokebed and Nick Rodriguez as Aaron.
The Ten Commandments, which has 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 feature a cast of 50 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 team will 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 — a play he co-adapted. 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.
