Rehearsals are underway

“JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT”

MARCH 6-8TH NEWARK HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

about the showRehearsals are well underway for the Newark

High School Drama Club musical production March 6-8th of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” The show is the musical retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph _ who has prophetic dreams _ his coat of many colors, his devoted father, his jealous brothers, and the incredible twists and turns of his life that test his spirit and his faith, but ultimately triumph.

Directed by Steve Duprey, now in his fourteenth year of directing musicals and plays at NHS, the timeless Old Testament tale touches on themes of family, sibling rivalry, jealousy, forgiveness, and redemption. This family-friendly musical is full of unforgettable songs _ including "Those Canaan Days" "Any Dream Will Do" and "Close Every Door" that are cleverly written in a variety of engaging musical styles.

The music is by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics are by Tim Rice. This is the first time Duprey has directed this show. “There’s something special about it. It’s a show I’ve always wanted to do,’’ he said before a rehearsal February 5th. “There’s lots of variety in it. This show will be an entertaining evening out. The music is great. The talent is great and there are real lessons to be learned.”

Duprey said he’s got a great cast. “ It’s one of the most enthusiastic casts I’ve worked with,’’ he said. Cast members and their grade level at NHS include: Mary Adkins, 10, Wife; Devin Anglin,11, Levi; Sami Cepulo, 11, Mrs. Potiphar; Riley Collins, 12, Butler; Mara Cornwell, 10, Wife: Shelby Cramer, 10, Baker; Makalah

Crawford, 11, Narrator; Maria DeRenzo,12, Wife; Adam DeRue, 10, Guard; Anthony Diamond, 12, Asher; Coby Frazier, 10, Gad; Joe Goodman, 10, Potiphar;  Andrea Hoe, 9, Wife; Grant Howard, 12, Reuben; Liam Kellogg, 9, Benjamin; Meredith Kellogg, 12, Wife; Jacob Lindberg, 10, Zebulon; Kaitlin Lyman, 12, Wife; Ian MacTaggart, 10, Napthali; Shea Matz; 12, Narrator; Cash Myers, 10, Issachar; Hunter O'Campo, 11, Simeon; Talon O'Campo, 12, Jacob and Pharaoh; Omar Rogers, 12, Judah; Joel Santana, 12, Dan; Trenton Simpson, 9, Guard; Sam Wersinger, 12, Joseph; and Lindsay Whiting, 9, Wife. Read more about the show at: http://www.newarkcsd.org/Page/5427 Emily Howard is the choreographer/producer; NHS vocal music teacher Jean Bendix is the musical director; NHS instrumental music teacher Dave Schwind is the instrumental director and Mary Lou Bonnell is the piano accompanist.

Amanda Williams and Kat Chance are the stage managers. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” performances will be at 7:30 p.m. March 6th and 7th in the NHS auditorium and at 2 p.m. March 8th. Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens and $7 for adults and will be available at the door. Senior citizens may attend the final dress rehearsal for free at 3:30 p.m. March 5th. It will be followed by a $7.50 dinner in the NHS cafeteria for seniors if at least 50 people make reservations. The dinner will include chicken parmesan, rice pilaf, California mixed vegetables, rolls, cookies, coffee, tea or milk.   Make a reservation for dinner by February 26th by calling Deb Barry at 332-3265.

Go to the show.