Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, December 2, 1994 TAG: 9412030006
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KAREN DAVIS SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Based upon the Old Testament story of Joseph, whose father, Jacob, gave him a coat of many colors, the musical originally was intended to be a teaching tool. But since then, ``Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'' has gone through numerous revisions and revivals.
The Mill Mountain Theatre production, which opens tonight at Center in the Square, is still another version that's never been done, according to director Ernest Zulia.
``At the top of the show, we've added a modern-day, everyman character who is studying the Old Testament,'' Zulia said. ``He lays down on the bed with his Bible in hand and falls asleep. His room is invaded by dream guides, who carry him into the story of Joseph.''
As the Biblical tale goes, Jacob had 12 sons who founded the 12 tribes of Israel and populated the Earth. Hence, the story really is about the family of Man. Joseph was Jacob's favorite son, and his 11 brothers became quite jealous of their father's blatant favoritism. Therefore, they cleverly conspired to have Joseph sold into slavery and exiled into Egypt.
Although the musical has no references to Christmas, its Biblical basis, plus ``its joyful spirit make it a holiday event for all ages to enjoy,'' said Zulia.
Costumes and sets by Mitch Baker and John Sailer are biblically based with touches of modern consciousness, Zulia said. For instance, characters wearing Egyptian headdresses also may sport Adidas tennis shoes.
In addition, the pop-rock score has a country western spin, an Elvis number, a Parisian cafe scene and a calypso tune, among others.
The soft-rock fantasy format ``brings the story to a modern audience in terms that make us feel comfortable, instead of in a Sunday school, storybook fashion,'' Zulia said.
Richard Stafford, who is known internationally for his work on ``Cats,'' ``Evita'' and ``Guys and Dolls,'' choreographs the huge dance routines. The cast of 38 includes 22 adults and 16 children. The children, all from the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas, alternate performances in two teams of eight.
Terrance Flynn plays Joseph, and Lauren Mufson is the head dream guide who narrates his story to the audience. Jason Edwards plays the pharaoh. All three appear courtesy of Actors Equity Association.
A Broadway touring production of ``Joseph,'' with Donnie Osmond in the lead, is currently on a world tour, Zulia said. For that reason, ``we were very lucky to get the rights to the show.''
Tickets for ``Joseph'' range from $16 to $20, depending on seating and show time. For the holiday season, Mill Mountain Theatre is participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's ``Toys For Tots'' program. Patrons will receive a $2 discount off the ticket price for selected performances if they bring in a new, unwrapped toy to the box office. The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
``Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'' opens tonight at 8 and continues on Mill Mountain Theatre's main stage through Dec. 31. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 2 p.m. for matinees. Only one show will be presented on New Year's Eve at 5 p.m. For reservations, call 342-5740.
by CNB