Little Theatre’s ‘Joseph’ is a song-filled telling of an ancient tale
By Bill Cissna Special Correspondent Mar 26,
Mariedith Appanaitis photo credit
The biblical saga of Joseph has been told in many ways. None, perhaps, mixes story and musical motifs more thoroughly than the pop cantata first heard in 1969 on a vinyl record.
After their success with “Jesus Christ, Superstar,” Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice expanded the musical story of “Joseph” and put “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” on the stage.
As with many Webber musicals, “Joseph” has a sung-through format, meaning that the song lyrics tell the entire story, with virtually no dialogue.
The recently renamed Little Theatre of Winston-Salem will put a large cast on stage for two weeks starting Friday.
The musical traces the story of young Joseph, who is sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers. It features songs such as “Any Dream Will Do,” “Jacob and Sons” and “Close Every Door.”
“One of the biggest challenges is putting a different spin on the proceedings, balanced by practicality,” said Nick Zayas, the director. “The show has been seen in the area previously, including a Little Theatre version. How do we create a version that so far is unseen?”
As Zayas looked back on the original release and the stage adaptation, he wondered why the show has a narrator and, especially, why it includes a large group of children. Zayas ultimately concluded that “what we’re seeing is a projection of the kids’ imagination. Thematically, that concept fits well with the overall theme in ‘Joseph’ about dreams and becoming who you were meant to be.”
Zayas wants to find a way to do justice to the real story of Joseph, but faces the fact that composer Webber and lyricist Rice make light of some of the drama. “We’re finding that balance,” he said, “and in some cases, finding the justification for those musical numbers,” which often jump genre and style. But with the dream-world concept, the musical changes can be seen as fitting the circumstances.
“These random things happen in dreams all the time,” Zayas said. “It’s a roller-coaster fluidity through the show. Time and musical style are not really relevant in dream world.”
Andrew Brodeur, tackling the centerpiece role of Joseph and his coat, has more to deal with than just his singing responsibilities.
“Nick’s approach to Joseph’s story has that story happening around me, to me and about me. I’m almost a separate entity in my own story,” Brodeur said. “A challenge for me as an actor is to weave myself into the dream world but keep Joseph as real as possible.
“I’m working very hard to connect the biblical story to the show’s take on it,” he said. “In both, there are lots of ups and downs. It’s not smooth sailing for Joseph at all. I’m finding it both very interesting and difficult.” Brodeur will have plenty of support with a cast of 38 filling a number of roles
In addition to Charity Hampton (Narrator), Roberts Bass (Potiphar), Shelly Beard (Mrs. Potiphar), Jed Macosko (Pharaoh) and Kirk House (Jacob), actors of all ages portray Joseph’s brothers and the wives, along with the 12 youngsters in the children’s chorus. Margaret Gallagher handles the musical direction.
Both Zayas and Brodeur feel that the PG-rated production tells a story that will appeal to audiences of all ages. “One exciting aspect for me,” Brodeur said, “is that we have a line-up of powerhouse singers. The show is a mix of references to the ancient story and to modern times. You’ll come to the theater and have fun. It’s fun to be in and fun to see.”
Zayas sees a musical with something for everyone.
“’Joseph’ is an uplifting show with lots of style, genre-shifting and references,” he said. “It’s going to be a spectacle, especially in terms of set, lights and costumes. It clips right along with movement and choreography. That’s why we think young people will enjoy it as much as older audience members.”
By Bill Cissna Special Correspondent Mar 26, 2017
