Interview: JOSEPH's Diana DeGarmo ad Ace Young

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is hitting the road again, this time in a newly reimagined production with direction and choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler ("In the Heights," "Bring it On," "9 to 5"), that is playing at Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre now through March 30th.

"American Idol" alums and real-life newlyweds (the couple married last June), Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young, are leading the tour as the Narrator and Joseph, respectively. The two are no strangers to working together, having met while costarring on Broadway in the 2009 revival of "Hair". They also recently both shared their vocals on the Samson & Delilah concept album.

"I couldn't imagine spending a tour life apart again, especially in our first year of marriage," DeGarmo tells Broadwayworld. "We feel blessed to share this experience together."

Young explains that he had worked with Troika Entertainment when he was with the touring production of "Grease," while DeGarmo had played the Narrator in Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma's production of "Joseph...", "So when the opportunity came knocking, they [Troika] thought it would be a perfect match for both of us to be involved along with the Independent Presenters Network."

This "Joseph" tour promises a new take on the Andrew Lloyd Weber hit. With a new set, costumes, and musical arrangements, DeGarmo says of the changes, "Andy Blankenbuehler and his team have made sure that every moment of this show has been combed over and brought into 2014!"

Many, especially in Chicago, may remember the iconic Donny Osmond performance in the lead role years ago, but when asked about whether he has been experiencing comparisons, Young says, "With our director and choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler in charge of the vision, the only thing that really stayed the same was Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's music. But, I know Donny and I am happy to have his blessing to play the part he did so well."

As for DeGarmo, the Narrator's extensive stage-time and amount of songs required some real preparation.

"I definitely had to gain my stamina for the role," she says. "But the hard work in rehearsals, and of course, pacing and taking care of myself - like you do in any long running show - has made it a challenge I feel fully prepared to accept."

Check out Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" when it makes its Chicago stop now through March 30th at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph). Tickets available at www.BroadwayInChicago.com or by calling (800) 775-2000.

Photo Credit: Joseph

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