JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Opens Tonight at The Rose

The story is from the Old Testament, but the vision of the production team at The Rose Theater is definitely 21st centurY. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, will be presented as the summer musical at The Rose Theater in Omaha, tonight, May 31 - June 16.

"At the core, it's a show about family, love and forgiveness," said director Randi Hard. "Each production of Joseph is unique. Ours has a modern, very eclectic concept that will look stunning and highlight the ensemble's singing and dancing talents."

The favorite Biblical story of Joseph and his "coat of many colors" comes to life in the classic musical by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Joseph, a boy with prophetic dreams, experiences a difficult and inspiring journey when he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and eventually becomes a revered leader of Egypt. Featuring a delightful range of song styles, this timeless tale of family and faith offers a moving musical event for the entire family.

Director Hard, scenic designer, Adam Rowe, and lighting designer, Craig Moxon, have more of a "present-day stadium rock show" image for the musical that was first performed in 1968. Each of the musical styles in the show - rock, country & western, calypso, pop and opera - will be framed in a different way with either moving set pieces brought or danced on by actors or flown in from the rafters. With no spoken dialog, the show is a non-stop musical revue guided by a narrator character.

"The only reason we'll stop the action is for applause or laughter," said Hard.

The inspiration for the design is a blend of fashion-forward window dressing seen in stores, like Anthropologie, combined with the glitz and speed of televised awards shows.

"We're thinking about impactful, and affordable, ways to make a statement," said Rowe. "For example, creating a huge backdrop for big production number made entirely out of hula hoops and zip ties to frame a stage filled with singers and dancers. It's about fluid and clever scene changes that build and are punctuated by the lighting effects and the audience's imagination."

To help with the rock show effects, designer Moxon is bringing in additional lighting instruments that would more likely be found in concert venues than in a children's theater. Additionally, a backdrop of texturized foam core will provide a surface for dramatic and impactful lighting techniques.

While the visuals will be stunning, the show's messages will be delivered with warmth and humor. At its core, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a family show that adults and children will both enjoy at different levels. Stylized to give the audience the opportunity to discover secrets within the show, such as recognizable contemporary images like bar codes and shopping bags from local stores, the serious story of betrayal and forgiveness will be clear to all.

Rose Artistic Director, Matt Gutschick, believes the message of the show is a powerful one. "Joseph shows us the power we have to control our own responses to our circumstance.

If we build our faith in humanity with its Technicolor variety, we'll be blessed with pieces of ways to build a better world," said Gutschick.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the first publically produced collaboration by Rice and Lloyd Webber. Many of the musical themes heard in Jesus Christ Superstar have their origin in the score for Joseph. The show won seven Tony awards and national tours have been headlined by David Cassidy and Donny Osmond.

In the production at The Rose, Joseph will be portrayed by Sam Swerczek. Although this is his first performance at The Rose, Swerczek has played the role of Joseph at The Lofte Theater, in Manley, NE. He also toured internationally with The Young Americans, understudied for Hugh Panaro (current Phantom in Broadway production of Phantom of the Opera) in the role of Valjean in Les Miserables at the La Mirada Theater in Orange, CA, and was nominated by the Theater Arts Guild for his performance as Melchior Gabor in Spring Awakening at The Blue Barn Theatre.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be presenTed May 31 - June 16 with shows at 7 pm on Fridays, and 2 pm each Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $25 for main floor and $20 for balcony. Discount vouchers are available at area Hy-Vee Food Stores. For reservations, call (402) 345-4849, go to www.rosetheater.org, or visit the Box Office at 2001 Farnam St. The show is recommended for ages 5 and older. The performance is 1 hour and 55 minutes and includes a 15-minute intermission.

Pictured: Joseph is Sam Swerczek. Photo credit: Herb Thompson Photography.

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