Playhouse Presentation

Nov. 27, 2015

A Musical Through and Through

The latest Old Town Playhouse production has just the thing for musical lovers: song after song after song, with nary a spoken word to be heard. But, that’s not the only unique thing about “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” The show wasn’t even a complete stage play originally. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” was first presented as a 15-minute cantata in 1968, and a year later as a concept album, before morphing into a full stage musical.

Although the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber production was billed as a follow-up to the duo’s “Jesus Christ Superstar,” it actually predated that hit. “Superstar” debuted on Broadway in 1971; the first stage production of “Dreamcoat” happened in 1970. It later debuted in London’s West End in 1973, but didn’t make it to the Great White Way until 1982.

“It’s not traditional musical theatre. It’s an operetta,” said “Joseph” director Michelle Perez. “There isn’t any spoken word; it’s all sung.

There are 22 different numbers and no lines. I love that.”

This makes for a long night for Michael Nunn, “Joseph” music director. Nunn has been scrambling to find the necessary musicians for the production. This arrangement features three keyboard players in addition to a string section and a woodwind quintet.

“I’m probably going to need a dozen [keyboardists] to fill all the parts [for all the shows]. How do you do it? You beg,” said- Nunn with a laugh.

The music runs the gamut. “Everything from slow country to steel drums,” said Perez.

At heart, it bears all the hallmarks of 70s rock operas by bands like the Who and Genesis, though with an orchestral, theatrical approach.

“It’s very English rock,” said Nunn. The show tells the story of Joseph, son of Jacob, who is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He eventually overcomes hardship and rises to a position of power, second only to the pharaoh in all of Egypt.

As famine sweeps the land, one he predicted via dream interpretation, Joseph’s brothers find their way to Egypt to beg for food. He eventually reveals himself, and all is forgiven as Joseph is reunited with his father.

Nunn said the music is already exceeding his expectations.

“It’s going to be fabulous. The level of talent we’re able to get onstage is going up every year,” he said.

“It’s like ‘Les Mis.’ Everybody in the rotating cast could sing lights out. It’s nice to be able to see the quality onstage.”

Nunn said quality has always been a hallmark of our region.

“The talent’s always been here. Now we can get that talent into this venue without it costing an arm and a leg.”

He says part of that is due to the continued success of OTP’s efforts at establishing a love of theatre among younger performers.

“It’s like with Mychelle Hopkins and the Young Company (Old Town Playhouse’s educational outreach to students). We get high school students to come in and play,” he said.

The musical numbers include French ballads, Elvis-inspired rock ‘n’ roll, a nod to the 20s and the concluding “Joseph Megamix,” a disco/rock mix of most of the show’s major musical numbers. All told, there are upwards of two dozen songs, which is necessary when music is the only means to carry the story forward.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” premieres Nov. 27 and runs Thursday– Sunday through Dec. 19. For tickets and information, visit mynorthtickets.com.

NOTE: Be sure you are purchasing tickets for the correct production. The Manistee Civic Players are also presenting “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Dec. 4–13 and tickets for that company’s production are also available through mynorthtickets.com.