NEW TAKE ON A STORY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
Cumberland Playhouse presenting ‘Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
Cumberland County Playhouse revives one of its most popular shows, “Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” beginning Friday, July 19, at 7:30 p.m.
“I’m delighted to be working on this spectacular new version of a favorite show of mine,” said Artistic Director Britt Hancock, who directs this production. “I’ve acted in four productions of ‘Joseph,’ including three here at the Playhouse. With the amazingly talented cast that we’ve assembled, this is sure to be the best one yet.”
The biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to life in this delightful, inspiring musical comedy. Told entirely through song with the help of the narrator (Playhouse newcomer Cassie Donegan), the show follows the story of Jacob’s favorite son Joseph (Playhouse newcomer Anthony Lazzaro) and his 11 brothers.
When Jacob presents Joseph with an extravagant new multicolored coat, his jealous brothers sell him into slavery. In Egypt, he soon finds favor with the wealthy noble Potiphar (Bill Frey), but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife (Fiona Mowbray).
As he languishes in prison, Joseph discovers that he has the ability to interpret dreams, and is soon brought before the Pharaoh (Grayson Yockey), an all-powerful ruler with a bit of an Elvis complex.
Joseph explains the meaning of Pharaoh’s dreams and tells him how to prepare for an impending famine. The grateful Pharaoh makes Joseph chief administrator — and the most powerful man in Egypt after the Pharaoh himself.
Meanwhile, the famine has struck Canaan, and Joseph’s starving brothers set out for Egypt to beg Pharaoh’s right-hand man for food and mercy. Realizing they don’t recognize him, Joseph devises a clever trick to determine whether his brothers have truly changed, and eventually reunites with his family.
Set to a winning mixture of musical styles from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock ‘n’ roll, this new take on an Old Testament tale is an enchanting adventure for the whole family. The book and lyrics for the show are by Tim Rice with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
“Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is rated G, and will run through Sept. 5. Tickets can be purchased online at ccplayhouse.com or by calling 931-484-5000.