This coat rocks.
And anyone can see that during McDaniel College?s Theatre on the Hill?s performances of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” playing through June 30.
“I?m just thrilled with our production,” Theatre on the Hill Producing Artistic Director Elizabeth Van Den Berg said. “It?s really very fun and very colorful.”
Van Den Berg chose to do “Joseph” as part of the season?s series of plays that are based on literature and converted into musicals.
“We decided to do “Oliver,” which is based on Charles Dickens? book, and then we hit on “Joseph,” which is based on the Bible,” she said. “We thought, ?There?s a good book for you!? ”
The musical is upbeat, contemporary and family-friendly.
“People who see this show just love it. We can?t go wrong with this show,” Van Den Berg said.
One of the very first musicals produced by musical genius Andrew Lloyd Webber, “Joseph” tells the biblical tale of Joseph, his amazing coat and his triumph over his conniving brothers.
“You can tell when you listen to the music that Webber was experimenting with different styles at the time he wrote the play,” Van Den Berg said. “There?s a country western number, an Elvis number, as well as traditional musical theater style pieces.”
Amain reason to check out the show is to see the vibrant colors of Joseph?s coat, a piece of amazing craftsmanship by costume designer Sherry Shaner.
“It is inspired by the time period of the Old Testament,” Theatre on the Hill Associate Producer Michelle Barganier said. “The coat has an assortment of colors and fabrics, with linen, coarse cotton and even upholstery. It has a striking yellow collar, blue vertical stripes and a down pleated waist which fans out at the bottom.”
Actors defy gravity in the musical?s many dance numbers with flying leaps and spins.
“These guys are moving and grooving all over the stage, thanks to our fabulous choreographer and director Julie Herber,” Van Den Berg said. “She really has pushed these singers and actors to their limits. They are doing incredible stuff.”
IF YOU GO
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
» Venue: McDaniel College Theatre on the Hill, 2 College Hill, Westminster
» Times: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday
» Tickets: $14 to $20
» More info: theatreonthehill.com
