DM Playhouse Presents JOSEPH, 7/16-8/8

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the Tony Award-winning musical, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," Friday, July 16 - Sunday, Aug. 8. Tickets may be purchased at The Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St., by phone at 515-277-6261, and online at www.dmplayhouse.com. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is sponsored by Ruan Companies and Bankers Trust.

The saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in the musical parable "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," the first of many hits by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Set to an engaging mix of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock 'n' roll, this Biblical tale has become a show for the ages.

Joseph (played by Eric J. Shepard), his father's favorite son, is blessed with prophetic dreams. After being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures. He is purchased by Potiphar (Mark Maddy), but lands in jail when he rejects advances from Potiphar's wife (Alexandra Beem). The Pharaoh (Nick Toussaint) hears of Joseph's dream interpretations, and elevates him to second-in-command. Eventually his brothers unknowingly find themselves groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed but no longer recognize.

The cast of 40, with Sarah Hoch and Robin Heldt Spahr alternating performances as the Narrator, includes a chorus of nearly 25 youth voices. Playing Joseph's 11 brothers are Ryan Bower, Kyle Frank, Sebastian Gillespie, Jim Kolnik, Trey McCracken, Andrew Overton, Alex Schaeffer, Joseph Smith, Gage Steenhagen, Nick Toussaint, and Dane Van Brocklin. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is directed and choreographed by Karla Kash, with music direction by Brenton Brown.

The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information about The Playhouse and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" contact The Playhouse ticket office at 515-277-6261. Ticket prices begin at $18, with discounts for seniors, students, and groups of 15 or more. To purchase tickets, please call 515-277-6261 or visit www.dmplayhouse.com.