THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 30, 1995 TAG: 9503300365
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TONYA WOODS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
Torrey Russell says playing Joseph in a high school production of ``Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'' last year was an experience he'll never forget.
``It was truly amazing,'' said Russell, who now works for Chrysler Hall and is helping to promote an upcoming Broadway production of the show. ``It's the kind of show you don't want to end.''
For a group of young entertainers from Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Suffolk, the magic of ``Joseph'' is about to begin.
Fifty children from ages 9 to 14 will get a taste of big-time show biz when they perform as the ``children's choir'' in a national Broadway touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's ``Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.''
``This is an opportunity that not a lot of people get to have at this age,'' said Pam Granger, 13, an eighth-grader at Lynnhaven Middle School in Virginia Beach and a member of the school's Vocal Ensemble.
The musical is the biblical story of Joseph and his 11 brothers during the reign of a Pharaoh. The producers of ``Joseph'' held a competition in January to find amateur, local talent for the children's choir. Out of about 25 groups that auditioned, only three were chosen.
They included 22 children from the HURRAH Players, 22 students from the Lynnhaven Middle School Vocal Ensemble and six children from The Fine Arts Center of Suffolk.
``Normally the show hires two choirs from each city it tours,'' said Russell. ``They hired three because they were so impressed by the talent in the area.''
The children's choir was abuzz at Waterside's center stage Saturday when the three choirs assembled to sing songs from the play.
``I've seen shows on Broadway, and doing this inspires me,'' said Nakeya K. Hudson, 12, a seventh-grader at Indian River Middle School in Chesapeake and a member of the HURRAH Players.
Dressed in jeans and bright colored T-shirts, this choir of many talents was cool and together as they crooned ``Joseph'' melodies to a small audience.
This Baci Management production of ``Joseph'' stars Sam Harris, a former Star Search champion. The children's choir also has a central role.
``These children have 22 numbers to know on stage,'' said Virginia Chambers, director of the Suffolk group. ``It's going to take a lot of stamina, energy and commitment on their part.''
Just like the pros, the children's choir must attend every rehearsal. In addition to practicing with their group, each choir must rehearse the music and dance steps after school and on weekends with the ``Joseph'' creative staff.
The students will miss classes, but being part of a Broadway production does not exempt them from schoolwork.
Sure, it'll be a lot of hard work, said Kristen A. Banek, 13, an eighth-grade member of the Lynnhaven Vocal Ensemble. But it's not often you get to perform with stars like Sam Harris, she says.
Kaitlin Bowles, 10, a fifth-grader at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and a member of the Suffolk group, said she hopes this show will lead to bigger parts.
The choir sings alone only once during the opening song. But that's good enough for her.
``My favorite part of the song is `One more angel in heaven,' '' she said.
This show is the chance for all these child performers to shine with the stars. ILLUSTRATION: ON STAGE
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" runs from Tuesday to
April 9 at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk. Ticket prices from $32.50 to
$42.50. For more information call 622-0288 or 1-800-669-STAGE.
by CNB