What began as a pop cantata performed at a junior-school’s Easter concert in London during 1968 has evolved into becoming one of the most enduring and highly popular musicals of all time. One that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is a reimagining of the biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors. And now, the play is coming to Hernando County from March 17th through the 27th, performed at Stage West Playhouse, located at 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd. Stage West is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization dedicated to promoting the theater arts.
Nominated for six Tony Awards and the winner of an Olivier Award, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is a Broadway staple that has been adapted in the form of two TV movies and an animated special. For this exclusive Stage West production, the musical is helmed by Kathleen A. Capelle, LCSW. This marks the sixth show and third musical that Capelle, also a full-time psychotherapist, has directed. Capelle stated, “‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, who also wrote ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ and ‘Evita.’ Our narrators are telling the biblical story of Jacob and his favored son to our children’s choir and the audience members. The music encompasses different styles such as western hoedown, calypso, and French film noir. The songs are comedic, rollicking, poignant and joyous. Audience members will remember the catchy tunes as they leave the theater.”
Capelle welcomes the challenge of directing this classic musical. She stated, “I had directed ‘Mamma Mia’ last season and my cast from that show had expressed interest in performing in Joseph. I was excited to have the opportunity to work with many of them and new cast members. Since this show is entirely sung, our Music Director Jacki and Choreographer Lori have carried the lions’ share of the work. I get to pull all the pieces together. This show is a true collaborative effort.”
This production also helps to mark an impressive milestone in Stage West history. “This is the third time that Stage West has presented this show. As we choose shows for each season, our guideline is to wait a minimum of 10 years before staging it again. We celebrated our 40th season last year!” said Capelle. “We did have a lot of costumes to choose from and some props. Our Costume Designer Mark wanted to make a new coat for this production and we ended up making all the Egyptian loincloths. We used pre-produced music, which has its good and bad points. All cast members had access to the actual music they would hear and use during the production, but it also means that they need to keep with the music.”
The cast and crew of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat consists of:
Narrators – Stacey Griffis and Nichelle Mohre-Cassidy
Joseph – Jason Ensor
Jacob – Dalton Benson
Potiphar – Gary Depp
Pharaoh – Curtis Gray
Musical Director – Jacki Scott
Choreographer – Lori Kohan
Stage Manager – Ellen Hutt
Costume Designer – Mark Burdette
Capelle shared that this play is something that’s fun to share with your children and grandchildren. She states, “I think each age group will find something that they will connect with and that will uplift them. They might even have a tear in their eyes at the end when all the voices express the joy that is ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.’”
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will be performed Thursday, March 17th through Sunday, March 27th. Tickets are $25 per adult, $20 per student. For more information, visit https://stagewestflorida.com/buy-tickets/ or call (352) 683-5113 for more information.
