On the evening of December 2, 2004 I arranged for a group of 23 students from the 'Operation Read Books Alive' group program to see the Ten Commandments musical starring Val Kilmer at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. This was the fourth group of students I had taken to see the musical over the past month so by this time Winnie and I had become pros at distributing tickets, fast handshakes and quick picture taking!

The Ten Commandments musical covers the story of Moses and his journey from becoming a Prince of Egypt to exile, marriage, the burning bush, plagues, and freeing the slaves, etc. This is a lot to cover in two hours but the descriptive songs complete with spoken word moves the story along smoothly. The book of Exodus comes to life in vivid color and with a cast of 50 the action never stops. No matter how many times I saw it when the Ark of the Covenant is brought out it sent chills up my spine. Two of my favorite scenes were the Bedouin dance that happens after Moses marries Zipporah and Alisan Porter (Miriam) singing ‘Light of a New Day’ along with the freed slaves.

These students were given an extra special treat tonight– the production would be filming the show for the DVD, so they were quite excited to be a part of the whole process. While it was a bit strange seeing the musical with all the various camera set ups and bright lighting, nevertheless the show was spectacular. I have always had nothing but good things to say about this musical. All the performers gave 150% for each and every performance. I have to give Val a lot of credit for getting up there and doing it. Also having been able to see the show progress through various changes gave me a sense of being a part of something very special. Two particular cast members who really impressed each group of students I brought were Adam Lambert and Nicholas Rodriguez. Adam played the role of Joshua. His signature song ‘Is Anybody Listening’ is incredible! Every time I saw the show he would receive the loudest applause and this night was no exception. I had several of the students asking me ‘where did he get that voice from?’

Nicholas Rodriguez played Aaron the brother of Moses – but for two weeks he would get to play Moses as Val was out sick. His interpretation of the role was amazing – I could write a whole other story on it! One thing I really regret is the students were not able to see him play that part because they would have been over the moon. Brilliant job Nicholas!

To top all of that off they had a meet and greet after the show. So when the show ended we gathered the troops and moved down do the orchestra section. Now let me just say these students are very smart – they are thinkers. You can hear their brains clicking as they watched the show! But then Peter Jackson is their champion –and these are the same students who kept the cast of The Lord of the Rings at their interview spot on the red carpet. During the intermission they were already preparing questions for the cast members (in between taking a good look at the cameras!) and they did not let us down. They asked a lot of technical questions – Gabriella Abarra asked Val if the new technology of video screens, special effects, etc. interfered with his performance. He jokingly yelled back ‘who let you in here- who are you with?!’ One very young girl (not with the OR group) asked the cast if it hurt when they were hit with the whips. Adam said ‘Well some of them actually liked it but that part was cut out’. Each time another dancer/singer came out to join the Q & A, Val made sure he introduced them which was very cool. This production was really a group effort in every way and he gave credit where it was due that night.

The Q&A lasted about twenty minutes. Afterwards we went outside so the students could meet the cast coming out the stage door. They were able to spend more time with them –taking pictures and getting their programs signed. I have just learned from Winnie that they have already started getting their version of the production in the works to act out. I am so looking forward to seeing this!!

As I mentioned before this was the fourth group that had gone to see the show. If I could encapsulate all of my feelings into one thought it would be too difficult – I will say that being able to have the opportunity to expose these children to live theatre has been such a blessing to me. I sat night after night watching their expressions while they read the programs and looked at the show. They were so engaged and I had that feeling that something truly magical had happened to them. Seeing it through their eyes – well if you have not seen ‘Finding Neverland’ yet please go see it – you will know exactly what I am talking about!

I could not have brought so many wonderful students to see this musical without the generous help of the following people: Peter M. Frank and Megan Pierson of BCBG Max Azira Entertainment, Ava DuVarnay of the DuVarnay Agency. Very special thanks go out to Winnie Jackson (you rock!), Supervisor Don Kanabe, Covenant House, and of course the incredible cast of the production. Oh and lets not forget the fantastic staff of the Kodak Theatre!