On a much brighter note, here is a movie I am sure will please anyone who loves a good musical. I love a good musical, especially when they mix some modern and pop music ideas with dance. And if the story is a good one and lends itself to the musical format, so much the better. For me, nothing could possibly be better than to take a Biblical story and turn it into a musical. Even when, in the opinion of some, it is done sacrilegiously, it can still be good when the music is good. Alright, maybe I’m an old hippy at heart, but I’ve always loved “Godspell” and even “Jesus Christ Superstar”; I still dig them. Maybe, as is the case with J.C.S., just because I like the music. However, this is not the case with the musical I saw earlier this week. (Nash, I owe you my deepest thanks for introducing me to this one!)

The musical is called “The Ten Commandments: The Musical” and it can be seen on DVD. Believe it or not, Val Kilmer is Moses in this production that transforms the classical biblical tale into a full-blown musical experience. It makes good use of the talents of pop artist Patrick Leonard, Emmy-winning lyricist Maribeth Derry, and director Robert Iscove. It was filmed live at the Hollywood Kodak Theatre and it is very nicely done in regards to sound and picture.

Ok, in all fairness, the musical numbers in this production do tend to drag just a little bit…that is my opinion. AND Val Kilmer is not a professional singer; he is a professional (and excellent) actor who is cast in a singing role. Now at first I had to wonder, “Why cast him in such a huge role, with so much of the production riding on his performance; much of it having to be singing?” I think you will see why when you see this movie. Although Kilmer doesn’t quite have the voice of a polished, professional singer, he certainly puts his whole heart into the role. So much so that I cannot imagine a better person for the part. The rest of the cast are professional singers and there are some truly inspiring and beautiful performances, especially in the last number.

Now you know I would have to tie this in with the love of boys somehow, right? Ok, not to give too much away, but I believe that if you watch this musical only for the very last number, it will be well worth it. There is the most beautiful surprise awaiting the diligent. A young boy does a pivotal song right at the end and it is so beautiful. I do not know this young actor’s name, nor could I find it online, so if anyone knows, please let me know. He is quite the singer indeed. His part isn’t a huge one, but it is an important one, as you will see. All in all, this is an excellent musical and one well worth checking out.