What do you get when you take a familiar Bible story, combine it with an incredible score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, add the musical talents of more than 90 local performers, mix them all together and present them on the historical Auditorium Theatre stage?
You get Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!
This wonderful production, under the expert direction of Michelle Chyzyk, will come to life in Virden May 6–9. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is based on the Bible’s story
of Joseph and his coat of many colours. It is the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph, and how, after being sold into slavery by his brothers, he goes from being the servant of
a wealthy Egyptian, to a prisoner with an uncertain future, to Pharaoh’s right hand.
All the while, Joseph makes good use of his gift as the interpreter of dreams. The children in the cast, along with the audience, under the expert guidance of a narrator, follow
the twists and turns of this exciting singing and dancing journey.
The musical score, performed by a live orchestra directed by Brent Campbell of Brandon, features many different styles of music, and is sure to have something for everyone.
From country and western in "One More Angel", to 1920s Charleston music in "Potiphar", to a parody of a French ballad in "Those Canaan Days" to Elvis-inspired rock n’ roll in "Song of the King", to Calypso in "Benjamin Calypso", audiences will leave the theatre humming their favourite tune and marvelling at the dancing expertly choreographed by professional singer, dancer and choreographer
Brenda Gorlick of Winnipeg.
Director Chyzyk shares, “Joseph is special because of the musical variety and visual spectacle involved. The whole show is sungthrough and this musical contains so very many
different musical genres – so really fun for the audience. The show is a fairly short one – approximately 90 minutes – and finishes with a full-blown Megamix that should be a tremendous hit.”
This will be the second time that Mrs. Chyzyk has brought Joseph to stage in Virden. The first time, 13 years ago, she had trouble finding enough men to play all of the roles, but this time, she says, “Our cast is absolutely first rate with many, many experienced performers.
Professional singer Tara Matthew of Oak Lake will play the narrator, and Virdenite Josh Hildebrandt will bring his vast experience to the role of Joseph. Joining them will be six beautiful storytellers,
many with degrees in music and theatre, and 11 dynamic brothers from various walks of life who will dazzle you with their voices and choreography.
Of course, the chorus of 90 will be spectacular, and highlights will be the costuming and live orchestra. This will absolutely be the biggest and most magnificent project I have tackled to date.”
Tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat are available now at Virden School and Office Supply (748-1654).
