Emily Buckley, editor in chief
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice’s first full-length production to ever be performed, and although it is a deep and beautiful Biblical story about forgiveness and family relationships, it is also comical and fun with high-energy musical parodies of French ballads, Elvis Presley-style rock, calypso, jazz, and country western, making it appealing for the whole family.
Music Theatre West will perform the show, under the direction of Debbie Ditton, February 22, 23 and 25 and March 1 and 2 at Ellen Eccles Theatre.
Kate Neely, from Providence, who is part of the cast ensemble, says heart and soul has been poured into the production and that audiences will be hard-pressed to take all the details in. “There is no part of this show that hasn’t been labored over,” she said. “All the details in place to make it perfect.”
By details, she is talking about a pyramid custom-made to fit the Eccles stage, beautiful choreography by Stephanie White, a live orchestra directed by Jay Richards, and impressive costuming by Maren Lyman. “Maren pieced together two beautiful coats for Joseph, carefully including every color from the song ‘Joseph’s Coat.’”
Without saying too much, she said there are also local references and surprises that are sure to delight Cache Valley audiences.
Kate has enjoyed being a part of the show, especially since she is performing alongside her father, Blake Webster (performing as Father Israel) from Kaysville, sisters, Chrissy Buys, from Logan, and Sarah Bast, from Hyde Park, daughter, Noelle, and niece, Hannah.
“It has been neat to have so much quality family time together,” Kate said. “It is fun to break away from routine and share our talents, seeing each other do things we don’t usually get so see at home. Especially with my daughter, I have loved seeing how brave and talented she is. This has been a fun way to grow family relationships. ”
Kate says music has always been a big part of their family, so the opportunity to perform together has been welcomed.
“This show is tons of fun,” Kate said. “But is also inspiring, when you think about Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers and then him forgiving them for something so awful. It is touching – we have felt that in rehearsals.”
Tickets to see the show are available at cachearts.org or by calling the Box Office at (435) 752-0026.
