“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” the first full-length musical by the legendary team Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, lights up the Dennis Flyer Theatre stage this July.
Presented by Mainstage Center for the Arts, this popular retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors is jam-packed with an energetic mix of music and dancing.
Josh Toro, of Moorestown, plays the lead role of Joseph, a boy who can interpret dreams and receives the coat as a gift from his father, Jacob (Joshua Brooks of Williamstown). His jealous brothers sell him into slavery in Egypt, where he is purchased by Potiphar (Charles Ward of Deptford).
Potiphar’s wife (Grace Szczepkowski of Marlton) has him thrown into jail after he rejects her. While imprisoned, news of Joseph’s prophetic abilities reaches the Pharaoh, comically portrayed as Elvis by JD Shaw of Stratford.
Joseph soon becomes second in command.
Having suffered years of hardship, Joseph’s brothers eventually find themselves begging for mercy from the brother they once betrayed.
The colorful story is told almost completely through song and dance, featuring a wide variety of memorable musical numbers including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Benjamin Calypso,” “Jacob and Sons/Joseph’s Coat,” “Song of the King” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph.”
It’s not only the adults who will appreciate Joseph. The show’s upbeat nature and moral lessons also make it a great theatrical experience for younger audiences. And, the Mainstage production, like the Broadway productions of Joseph, features a children’s chorus.
Though Toro’s performed with other local theatres, Joseph marks his first Mainstage appearance.
In addition to Fiscella, Joseph’s creative team includes choreographer, Renee Chambers Liciaga of Mount Laurel; vocal director, Evan Figueras of Washington Township; set designer Tom Weaver of Cherry Hill; and costume designers, Linda Nese of Gloucester Township and Bethany Campbell of Deptford. Vince Gentless of Gloucester Township will direct a live orchestra for all performances.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs July 20, 21, 27, 28, 7:30 p.m. in the newly-renovated, fully accessible Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall, Camden County College, Blackwood.
Ticket prices are $15 for seniors and students, $18 and $21 for adults. Purchase tickets on line at www.mainstage.org or call (856) 227–3091.
