Where can you find a passel of children from ages 6 through 15 singing their hearts out all in the name of “Moses” and the 40 years spent in the desert finding the “promised land”?

The hilarious lyrics and lively score written and composed by Ralph Bourne, and terrific performances, makes “Moses Leads the Children of God” the latest original play at the Barn Theatre a fun and entertaining show that will appeal to the whole family.

“Moses Leads the Children” performances are Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. on March 18,19, 25, 26, and Sunday Matinees at 12: 30 p.m. on March 20, and 27.

The play opened last weekend.

Moses, performed by 13-year-old Cameron Black, portrays a frustrated Moses, whose earlier experiences with his grandfather, the pharaoh, prepared him to lead the squabbling Hebrew tribes out of Egypt into the desert searching for a place to live for 40 years.

Six year-old Jasmine Garay, stood out on stage, Maddy Black clearly was enjoying herself in multiple parts, while all the other first-time actors did a great job.

According to the play’s creator, Bourne, “The herding tribes do not get along with the city dwellers or farmers, even today the Bedouins, or nomads have constant conflicts,” as he explained his ideas about writing the play about Moses and the Hebrews.

“Ralph asked me to co-direct with him,” said Judyann Hellrung, who is also in overseeing the music, set design and production.

Steve Ross, who plays Pharaoh Rameses, speaks with Moses about the beliefs of their people and about palace intrigues. He says, “Look in all directions for all of God’s work,” but also, “Beware of priest and prophets.”

Jennifer Garay, who is in the play, along with her 6-year-old daughter, Jasmine, said, “The play is a good opportunity for all the kids to be involved in our community.”

Quite a few of the audience members remarked on the performance of Jasmine. One woman said, “I fell in love with that little girl, Jasmine. She did so well. She is a born actress. It amazed me.”

Maddy Black, 11, said, “The play was a great experience. I want to do it again, as soon as possible.”

Her brother, Cameron, who starred as Moses, is already planning to be in another play. He said, “Three weeks ago I wasn’t sure I could play the part. But now, here I am. It worked out perfectly.”

Joshua Sanchez, 15, played Joshua. He said that he would like to be in the next Barn play, “State Fair.”

Wendy and Gordy Plaisted helped coach the young performers. She said, “They were so wonderful, and such a bunch of good kids. We have really enjoyed working with them; both Gordy and I. Gordy always had such a great smile on his face, when he comes home from working with the kids. The kids learned how to put a show together, and they learned a lot about theatre. They learned about make-up, costumes and music.”

Plaisted believes the young performers will be the next generation that will help build and keep the Barn Theatre alive in the community.

“I think that this show illustrates the best of community theatre,” said Hellrung, “and what it can be. I thank the community for their support. Come and see the show. You’ll really like it. The show is layered. It is also funny, and subtle. And it appeals to all ages.