Biblical roles create big sandals to fill

Onstage, they are adversaries — one a reluctant liberator, the other a ruler clinging to power. But offstage, McKinley Copeland and Zach Adams share something closer to camaraderie than conflict as they prepare to step into two of the most iconic roles in their musical theater careers.

Copeland will step into the figurative shoes — or sandals, as he jokingly put it — of Moses, and Adams will portray Ramses in a spring production of “The Prince of Egypt” at the Shoals Community Theatre in Florence.

It’s a story that both actors describe as “epic” in its themes, and it’s one that has challenged them not only as performers, but as people. For Adams, the compel he felt to audition was immediate.

“It’s the story,” he answered simply. “That’s the main thing.”

Copeland agrees, noting the production carries the weight of a narrative that has endured for generations.

“It’s definitely an epic story to learn about and learn from,” he said. “And the fact that it was put on stage is really cool.”

Based on the DreamWorks animated film, the stage adaptation remains largely faithful to its source material with only slight departures. For Copeland, those creative liberties don’t detract from the heart of the story.

“The main thing is the telling of faith and the journey of liberation,” he said.

Still, stepping into these roles was a humbling experience for both actors.

“It’s a very daunting task to take on, especially when there’s a historical figure that it’s based on,” Copeland said. “My faith is personally intertwined with this. It’s more than just what I’m singing or saying. It’s who my true character is, and that needs to align with who Moses was.”

That perspective has shaped Copeland’s approach to the role. Rather than focusing solely on performance, he’s leaned into study and selfreflection.

“Learning about him has been the biggest aid in figuring out his character,” he said. “And being able to say, ‘This is kind of how I would go through something like this.’” He sees Moses not just as a towering Biblical figure, but as someone profoundly human.

“I think we all have a Moses kind of encounter,” Copeland said. “We all have that feeling at some point in our lives where we wonder if we fit in or belong anywhere. Then we find that spot.”

For Adams, portraying Ramses has required a different kind of exploration, one that pushes beyond the traditional image of a hardened pharaoh.

“Ramses is a very complicated character,” he said. “People view him as all-knowing, all-powerful, but in reality, he’s just trying to do his best while also trying to be who he is.”

In this production, Adams said, audiences will see more of that internal struggle.

“You get a lot more insight into what he’s experienced and had to go through,” he said. “It’s not just, ‘I won’t let your people go.’” That added depth has made the role both challenging and rewarding, especially as it marks a return to the stage after time away.

“It’s been a minute,” Adams said, referencing his last performance as Jerry Lee Lewis in “Million Dollar Quartet,” at Cypress Moon Studios in the summer of 2024.

“Coming back has been — I’m not sure how to put this,” he said. “It’s familiar, but you’re taking on a big role. It’s kind of like relearning to ride a bike, except that bike has five wheels and you’re trying to balance it.”

Copeland’s path back to the stage has been just as winding. A Russellville native, he first discovered theater as a child, appearing as an extra in a production of “Tom Sawyer” in the third grade. By high school, performing had become a central focus.

After a 2023 appearance in “Bright Star” at the Shoals Theatre, Copeland stepped away from the stage to finish college, eventually returning home to teach music at Russellville Elementary School.

Now, he finds himself balancing rehearsals with his role as an educator, often making the drive to Florence alongside his wife, who is also part of the upcoming production.

“It’s becoming more frequent as we get closer to the show,” he said, “but it’s worth it. This is our happy place away from work and home. It’s a really fun thing that we both enjoy.”

That sense of belonging is something both actors say keeps drawing them back to theater.

“For me, it’s the people,” Adams said.

Copeland agrees, describing theater as a place where he first found community.

“I wasn’t an athlete growing up,” he said. “So, theater was a place for me to fit in. It gave me an outlet to find family and friends outside of school.”

For Adams, that sense of community is rooted in his actual family. With parents and older brothers frequently involved in local productions, the theater has been a constant presence in his life.

“As a kid, this was my playground,” he said. “I’m pretty sure I know this theater inside and out.”

Now, as opening night approaches, both actors hope audiences will connect with the story in their own way — regardless of background or belief.

“I feel like this play is not just for Christians,” Adams said. “It’s for people who might feel conflicted in their faith, or people who just want to come see a show. No matter what, I hope they walk away knowing they are loved, and that all things are possible when you believe.”

Copeland believes that message is rooted in the script itself. He agrees that regardless of an audience member’s faith, they’ll be able to find something relatable in characters just like the one he is portraying.

“Moses’ humanity is the biggest connection I’ve felt to this character,” he said. “It’s like, I have these same feelings. Like, ‘God, use somebody else for this. Why me?’ “It’s something I think all audiences can take something away from.”