VERSAILLES – Towne & Country Players, along with director Erin McKibben, are excited to bring Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” to the stage of the Versailles Performing Arts Center this July.
Based on the Biblical account found in the Book of Genesis, the show is an imaginative retelling of the story of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, the founder of Israel.
Joseph, however, was more than simply one of Jacob’s sons. He was, by far, the most favored, and Jacob made no effort to hide that fact. As a way to show just how much Jacob loved his son, Joseph, he gifted him a multi-colored coat. All of this caused much jealousy amongst the remaining brothers, leading them to take extreme and nefarious measures in regards to Joseph. This lively and entertaining show chronicles Joseph’s “journey” to Egypt, first as a slave and then his rise to prominence, due to his ability to interpret the dreams of Egypt’s Pharaoh.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” was the first musical by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber to be performed publicly. Originally conceived and commissioned as a short, 15-minute piece that could be performed by young school boys, “Joseph” was first performed in 1968 to approximately 200 parents. But after the response the production received, Lloyd Weber decided to “go big”. The show hit London’s West End five years later and the rest, as they say, is history.
Now, 50 years later, hundreds of amateur and professional versions of the show are staged annually, with the show becoming one of the most produced shows in history. It is estimated that nearly 1,000,000 different actors, both professional and amateur, have appeared in it! The show peaked in popularity in the 90s when Donny Osmond took over the role of Joseph and performed it over 2,000 times on stage and in the theatrical film version.
This is a show that weaves a dazzling retelling of a classic tale, invoking themes of family, jealousy, revenge, integrity and forgiveness, all through the use of a plethora of musical genres (think traditional Broadway, country/western, calypso, French cabaret, and even some 50’s inspired rock-n-roll). All that, plus the witty and thoughtful lyrics, will leave audiences of all ages entertained from start to finish.
Joseph, along with his dazzling coat, takes the stage of the Versailles Performing Arts Center for four performances, July 17-19 (there will be two shows on Saturday the 19th). Tickets are $15 each. Returning this year is a special dinner and show package. T&CP is yet again proud to be partnering with Hotel Versailles to offer a special dinner event each evening of performances. These tickets are $55 each and include both your ticket to the show and a special buffet dinner catered by Silas in the hotel’s 1819 Room. This dinner and show package will be available on all three dates and will include a shuttle to and from the show for those interested. More information regarding this special event, including the menu, will come in the following weeks.
Tickets for the dinner and show package will go on sale beginning Saturday, June 14th, with show-only tickets available on Tuesday, June 17th. All ticket options can be purchased by visiting http://www.towneandcountryplayers.com or by calling 937-417-1094.
Don’t miss out on this truly fun and vibrantly memorable and colorful show!
Towne & Country Players has become known for top-notch productions that eclipse every expectation. This show is no exception! Mark your calendars and get your tickets to “Go, Go, Go” see “Joe” in the show that’s “ahead of its time”!
