|
Joseph returns to the PPP Stage
This is part one in a four-part series about the Poplar Pike Playhouse’s upcoming
production Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
In 1968 a composer and lyricist got together to write their first show. The result was a 15-minute song cycle they intended to perform for a small Sunday School Class. By 1973 Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice had developed their whimsical project from a minor diversion to one of Broadway’s biggest success stories. Now the Poplar Pike Playhouse plans to add a brand new chapter to the incredible, ongoing story of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with its latest spring musical.
This production will not be the first time the Poplar Pike Playhouse appears as a character in the Joseph saga. Having staged a successful run of the show in 1983, director Frank Bluestein recently decided it was time to bring this classic crowd-pleaser back to life. The Playhouse staff hopes to create a show that is uniquely different from the original PPP production and that goes above and beyond the quality of the first. Achieving such a feat won’t be easy, however, as the PPP’s 1983 production was one of the most popular and acclaimed shows the Playhouse has ever produced.
Straight from Genesis, Joseph is a familiar story to many. It tells the tale of the young prophet, Joseph, and his fateful journey to become a ruler of Egypt. Joseph begins his odyssey as the favored son of his father, Jacob. He then goes on to become a slave to the rich captain Potiphar, then a prison inmate, and, after a stint of impressive dream-translations, Pharaoh’s second in command. The story of Joseph is a timeless narrative worthy of repeated tellings.
“Joseph is really inspiring. He goes from being this disliked underdog to a leader of Egypt. You can really see the change throughout the show,” says cast member Eula Hinds.
The show’s upbeat nature and strong morals make it a great theatrical experience for all ages. Not only is Joseph fun and colorful, but children can also learn lessons from this Biblical tale of jealousy and forgiveness. Adults will enjoy Joseph’s amazing portrayal of a classic Bible story in a new and progressive style. “The rhythmic music of Joseph will have audiences up and dancing at their seats,” says ensemble member Mario Pendarvis.
Tickets for Joseph are now on sale. The show opens at the Poplar Pike Playhouse on May 5th and runs through May 21st. For information, call the Poplar Pike Playhouse box office at 755-7775 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The Poplar Pike Playhouse is the theatre complex located on the campus of Germantown High School. The corporate sponsor for the production is Trust One Bank.
The Poplar Pike Arts Guild, the support group for the Playhouse, will sponsor an opening night benefit on May 5th. The prices of the tickets for this special performance and reception are $18 and $20 and may be purchased by calling Jean Hinds at 757-4508. All other ticket purchases can be made by calling the Poplar Pike Playhouse box office at 755-7775.
The cast for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat includes Cara Austin, Sarah Bare, Vicki Beall, Brian Berry, Blake Brewer, Boomer Brigman, Scott Byers, Wesley Cox, Stuart Downing, Shari Drury, Cassie Farrier, Nina Galindez, Danny Gomez, Kristina Hanford, Eula Hinds, Beth Hoag, Brittany Howard, Milton Humes, Jeffrey Ingram, Lauren Levins, Deven McKay, Gina Micheletti, Brittany Mickens, Courtney Mickens, Tricia Mickens, Archie Mitchell, Courtney Mock, Raphael Onwu, Mario Pendarvis, Emily Pilkington, Masha Skobeleva, Jacob Strong, Ryan Sweeney, Melissa Tillman, Tucker Wade, Patrick Warren and Anthony White.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is directed by Frank Bluestein and Leonid Mazor. Mary Lee Gilliland is musical director, and Elizabeth Anne Brown is the choreographer. The scenic designer is Mary K. VanGieson, and Amy Hagan is the scenic artist and graphic designer. The costume designers are Brenda Bluestein, Casey Smith, Lynette Gilbert, Gail Ridenhour, and Alyce Ann Chism. Ashleigh Williams is associate director and assistant choreographer. The orchestra conductor is Lanny Byrd. Joe Haslwanter and Jack House are the technical directors. Ernest Newbern is makeup designer and Shirley Evans and Claire Haslwanter are the properties designer. Ted Horrell is the sound coordinator and co-house coordinator. Allison Rogers is the props and costume coordinator as well as the co-house coordinator. Gail Ridenhour is the business manager for the PPP.
More
Articles:
Spring 1 
Spring 2 
Spring 3
Spring 4
Spring Review
|
