“Go, Go, Go, Joseph!”

202

In this digital age, it ‘s rare to find a musical theater production with a live orchestra, let alone one that dances a conga line.

The Herriman Arts Council “Arts in the Park” series presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” performed with a live orchestra on the outdoor Rosecrest Pavilion stage for eight nights beginning Thursday night.

[media-credit name=”Courtesy of Kory Trapane” align=”alignleft” width=”300″][/media-credit]
Ryan Hoskins is Joseph in Herriman's Arts in the Park production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." The musical runs Aug. 4-6, 8, 11-13 and 15.
James Crane, assistant dean of graduate studies at BYU, is chairman of the Herriman Arts Council and producer for the show, opening Aug. 4. Crane said the show is blessed to have a live orchestra that sets them apart from other productions with pre-recorded music.

“Not everyone has that,” Crane said.

In addition to colorful costumes and the music, Crane said the Herriman production has added some fun and unique twists. The production incorporates orchestra members into the action on stage and at one point they form a conga line. In another popular scene, even the conductor gets pulled into the action.

“Our conductor is seduced by Pharaoh’s charms,” Crane said.

The covered pavilion provides a unique atmosphere for the production.

“It’s a beautiful setting to have an outdoor theater experience,” Crane said.

The musical highlights the biblical story of Joseph and features the contemporary music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Crane said the play is well received even by people who do not typically enjoy musicals.

“This is one that people like,” he said.

According to the Arts Council website, the musical is  a colorful tale that spans the spectrum of musical styles from calypso to rock nd disco to country.  The play is a  worldwide phenomenon that has been an audience favorite for more than 35 years.

“It really translates well,” Crane said. “The energy is high. It’s really fun.”

Bethany Hall will perform as the Narrator and Ryan Hoskins will appear in the lead role of Joseph. Crane said Hall recorded in her childhood journal how she wanted to be the Narrator in a production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” someday and said it has been enjoyable watching her fulfill that dream.

“The talent we have on the stage is simply amazing,” Crane said.

Cheeryl Jeppson, director of human resources for Herriman, said the Rosecrest Pavilion stage debuted its first show in 2005 and its popularity extends beyond the community of Herriman.

“We get people from Herriman and also surrounding cities participating in our shows and we welcome them,” Jeppson said.

To purchase tickets or for more information visit herriman.org.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email