Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
For a bright, energetic and fun break from the January cold, don't miss MadCo's entertaining production of the musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Shows continue for the next two weekends on the historic upstairs stage of the Monticello Opera House (MOH).
Director Melanie Mays brings together a talented cast of local favorites, guest performers and theater students for this engaging reimagining of the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. The orchestra pit is vibrant with both musicians and a choir, who add depth of sound and the excitement of live instrumentation to the performance.
The musical – which is entirely sung with no spoken parts – has original lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose collaboration also brought the acclaimed “Jesus Christ Superstar” to the stage.
“Joseph” also has a superstar quality to it, presenting Joseph (Colton Stacy) as the favored son who can't seem to help it that he's so charming and gifted. As the familiar story goes, his star-like popularity fuels the jealousy of his brothers, who secretly sell him into slavery in Egypt but tell their father that he has been killed.
One song early in the show makes it clear that the story will end happily for everyone concerned. This allows certain dark topics – such as slavery, famine and treachery – to be handled with some humor and flair, which the local cast pulls off well. The audience can relax, laugh and enjoy each moment as Joseph takes his misfortunes in stride and uses his gift for interpreting dreams to rise in Egypt from a nobody to the Pharaoh's right hand man.
This show is full of fun surprises, elaborate costuming that complements Joseph's stunning coat of many colors, energetic dance numbers, and timeless themes told with contemporary tunes that will have you humming your own reprise on the drive home. Don't miss Monticello's own take on this truly amazing show!
The cast includes Nikkie Parker (Narrator), Colton Stacy (Joseph), Joey Grubbs (Jacob), Brannan Salter (Potiphar), Suzana Arnold (Mrs. Potiphar ), Larry Blake (Pharaoh), Nicole Himes (Butler), Tali Brettenberger (Baker). Joseph's brothers are played by Sammy Grubbs (Reuben), Rowan DeGreef (Simeon), Nicole Himes (Levi), Jacob Tomlinson (Judah), Tali Grettenberger (Issachar), Larry Blake (Zebulon), Brannan Salter (Dan), Ryder Helbling (Naphtali), Alex Barlow (Gad), Thaddeus Kocher (Asher) and Hugh Kocher (Benjamin). Wives are played by Suzana Arnold, Ella Clemons, Rachael Dunson, Christina Young. Ensemble dancers/daughters include Desiree Young, Aubrey Raker, Tessia Brookins, Petra Brookins, Crickett Lee and Danika Lee.
Additional singers are Duncan Hoehn, Joey Grubbsm Erich Brough, Carolyn Grubbs Heather Watson and Father Stephen Pessah. Musicians are Christine Banaghan as Pianist/Conductor, Peggy Everett on violin, Audrey Rancout on woodwinds, Shawn McCauley on keyboard, Ethan Holland on guitar, Jason Brookins on bass guitar and Mike Neidhart on drums.
The production crew members under Director Melanie Mays include Stage Manager Carol Hill Mumford and Lighting/Technical Advisor Todd Randall as well as William Payne on sound, Laura Dull on projection and William and Laura Dull on the follow spot.
Choreography is by Melanie Mays, Idy Codington, Desiree Young, Aubrey Raker, Tessia Brookins and Petra Brookins. Costumers are Melanie Mays and Nikki Himes, with set pieces created by Bob and Melinda Copper. Set building and painting was completed by Todd Randall, Joey Grubbs, Sammy Grubbs, Carolyn Grubbs, Suzana Arnold and Darold and Donald Froemming.
“Joseph” had its first professional production in 1972 at the Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland. It made Broadway in 1982 and has had multiple revival tours ever since. It's been hitting theaters heavily in the past three years, with a West End revival in 2021, UK and Australia tours in 2022 and a Toronto tour in 2023.
To see the show in Monticello, get your tickets for $27 each at monticellooperahouse.org or call the office at (850) 997-4242. Evening shows start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. Lobby opens one hour prior to the performance. A full-service cash or credit bar will be available, featuring premium beer, wine, and cocktails.
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