“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (or just “Joseph” to most people familiar with the show) will make a spectacular debut on the Legacy Theatre stage July 6, and although its Biblical story and catchy tunes by Andrew Lloyd Webber (“Cats,” “The Phantom of the Opera”) are familiar to most, director Mark Smith promises that this production will be unlike any other.
“First of all we’re making sure that the themes of faith and forgiveness are present throughout the entire show. We’re going right to the source material!” Smith feels that many productions of Joseph dwell on the main character being in the right place at the right time, and his journey from simple shepherd to second-in-command of Egypt merely a product of luck. “Joseph’s story is universal not because he was an opportunist but because he had faith that God had a plan for his life no matter what the circumstances. I think that’s what people relate to in this story: the belief that their life has a higher purpose, a design.”
In addition to this new emphasis, Bethany Smith, choreographer and assistant director, guarantees audiences that this Joseph will be full of surprises and spectacle. Every song has been given an extended dance break not usually seen in regional productions.
“Country, calypso, disco, rock n’ roll, you name it and it’s in this show. These singers and dancers have to do it all. We’ve assembled a top notch cast from Atlanta and all over the country, and it’s amazing the energy that jumps off the stage into the audience’s laps. I get goose bumps just watching them,” Bethany said.
Playing the important role of the Narrator is local actress and Legacy favorite, Mandy Mitchell. Mandy was last seen as Sister Mary Amnesia in the Legacy’s wildly popular production of “Nunsense” this spring. Playing the title role is Legacy newcomer, Dylan Hauck. Hauck has performed locally with Theatre of the Stars and Springer Opera House and just recently graduated with a music theatre degree from Oklahoma City University. He now makes Atlanta his home.
Joining Hauck and Mitchell are Dave Dorrell (Jacob/Potiphar), Mac Clark (Reuben), Justin Thompson (Simeon), Alejandro Gutierrez (Levi), Jeremiah Hobbs (Naphtali/Butler), Michael Ferraro (Isachar), Kyle Williams (Asher), Clint Diaz (Dan), Kyle Whitaker (Zebulon), Nathan Lubeck (Gad), Patrick Dyer (Benjamin), Eean Cochran (Judah) and a stellar female ensemble consisting of Amy Alford, Taylor Marie Hunt, Danielle Johnson, Victoria Norman, Allyssa O’Donnell and Rachael Shaw.
This production of “Joseph” will also include the Children’s Choir that has been a part of most versions of the show since its debut in 1968. Sixty-seven kids divided into three casts will remain on stage the entire time, watching and participating in the story as it unfolds.
“The children’s choir is integral to Joseph. Sunday school was the first place I was introduced to the story, and I can still remember the first time I heard it,” stated Mark Smith. “It’s fun to watch the kids react to the telling of the story. For some it’s even their first time hearing it.”
The Smiths make it clear that if someone has never experienced a summer show at the Legacy, “Joseph” is the perfect show with which to start a new tradition.
“It’s a family show that will keep you humming the songs and smiling the entire time. All ages fall in love with this show. You may end up buying the soundtrack and playing it over and over in your car,” said Bethany. “What better way to introduce your kids to this wonderful story and what better way to spend a summer evening?”
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs July 6-July 29, Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. You can also purchase tickets by calling the box office at 404-895-1473 or by going online at www.thelegacytheatre.org. There is still time for kids to be a part of the Legacy experience this summer. They are now registering for Camp Legacy which runs July 16-20. Register online or call the box office for more details.
