With a crash of drums and a flash of light, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returns by popular demand to Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ Main Stage for a limited run from June 26 – September 26.
Chanhassen is thrilled to have the original cast return so audiences can see the production that broke attendance records the last time it played in 2007. On average, audiences were at 93% capacity for that production run, which was from November to February. Director
Michael Brindisi came up with the idea to bring the show back for a short summertime stint. Brindisi stated, “Joseph was a monumental success for us. When we closed it, there were people who we had to turn away, which is a rarity. We also thought it would be a marvelous summertime show for our family audiences because it appeals to every age group. It’s also a great show to be doing now. It’s heartwarming, joyful – it makes people happy.”
In keeping with a 20-year-old tradition, Chanhassen offers its kids in free discount special through the summer months on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. This favorite deal gives parents and grandparents an opportunity to expose their children and grandchildren to the wonderful, magical world of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres at a great price. (Purchase one adult dinner and show ticket at regular price, receive one free dinner and show ticket for a child aged 5-16.)
Joseph was the first work of the widely acclaimed composer and lyricist team,
Tim Rice and
Andrew Lloyd Webber, creators of such musical blockbusters as Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Cats. The work is a secular version of the powerful and beloved historical story of Joseph, favorite son of Jacob, who is given a splendid coat of many colors. His jealous brothers throw him in a pit, sell him to slave traders bound for Egypt, and trick Jacob into believing Joseph has been killed by wild animals. Through a series of ordained circumstances including his uncanny gift to interpret dreams, Joseph is eventually brought into the house of the great Pharoah, where he is elevated to ruler status. Through his dreams, Joseph leads the people of Egypt into a food store-housing plan to see them through a long and terrible famine, which eventually brings Joseph and his brothers face-to-face after a 25-year separation.
Leading the cast are Brendan Bujold as Joseph and
Jodi Carmeli as the Narrator. Bujold has appeared in several Chanhassen productions and recently played Danny in Chanhassen’s 2006 hit production of Grease, a role he reprised at The Historic Pantages Theatre this past summer. Carmeli first appeared at Chanhassen in Cats in 2004 and since has also been in several Chanhassen productions. She will be remembered for her dramatic portrayal of Maria in the 2005 production of
West Side Story. Carmeli has many outstanding credits including playing: Sandy in the International Tour of Grease, Sugar in the National Tour of Some Like It Hot (with
Tony Curtis) and Maureen on Broadway in Rent.
The musical telling of this familiar story, Joseph includes twenty-two major production numbers filled with colorful costuming, creative staging, upbeat music and exuberant choreography. Resident Artistic Director
Michael Brindisi will collaborate with his team: Choreographer Tamara Kangas Erickson, Musical Director Kyle Clausen, Set Designer Nayna Ramey, Costume Designer Rich Hamson, Lighting Designer Sue Ellen Berger, Sound Designer Russ Haynes, and Production Stage Manager Robin Macgregor, to create this lively production to thrill audiences of all ages.
Once again, through a lottery process, Director Brindisi and staff will pluck one lucky boy and girl from the audience each night, to appear on stage in the production of Joseph. The children will take part in the performance from start to finish culminating in a photo opportunity with the cast to take home as a souvenir of their exciting on-stage experience. The children (aged 8-14) will take part in the stage action without advance preparation or rehearsal, being led through “Egypt” by two professionally cast children, played by Jenna LeMair and Ryan Hoffa. Brindisi says, “The last time we did this, it was a big hit with everyone, especially the kids. We’ve set up guidelines for the kids. The kids have to be comfortable and mature enough to take the stage. Every night it becomes a slightly different show and the kids get to be the stars of the show!” Kids who are interested should sign up for the lottery in the lobby before going into the theatre.
Joseph will play through September 26th, eight times weekly, Tuesday through Sunday evenings with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Prices per person for dinner and show: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings $65; Friday and Saturday evenings $75; Sunday evening $66; and matinees $56. Show only tickets are available 10 days prior to curtain and are based on availability. Show only tickets are $12 less than dinner and show ticket prices. Tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat are now on sale by contacting the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ box office at 952-934-1525, or toll-free at 800-362-3515, and can also be ordered online at chanhassendt.com. Group discounts are available for groups of 15 or more people. For group tickets, call Group Sales at 952-934-1547.
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