Joseph’s coat of many colors is part of a biblical saga that Andrew Lloyd Webber converted into a smash musical.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” springs to life for a July 14-30 engagement at the Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso.
An Old Testament story is carried along by varied melodic styles that skip from rock ‘n’ roll to country and western to calypso.
“I think it’s just a fun night of entertainment,” Kurt Gillins, the director, said. “We have a live orchestra. It’s seven pieces.”
Buoyed by free-flowing, accessible show tunes such as “Any Dream Will Do” and “Joseph’s Coat,” the production follows Joseph, his father’s favorite son.
Blessed with the gift of prophetic dreams, Joseph endures a series of situations that challenge his spirit and humanity when he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, according to the opera house’s synopsis of the play.
With music by Webber, and lyrics by Tim Rice, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” opened on Broadway in New York City in 1982.
Pop star Donny Osmond has appeared as the lead character Joseph in a major production of the show.
Its beginnings as a theatrical production date back to 1968.
Gillins said a challenge for him as director is “trying to keep it fresh, when everybody knows the show so well, and everybody loves it.”
The Valparaiso resident said there is leeway to tinker with the popular musical.
“The way the show is constructed, you can kind of have fun with it and do different things, but there’s some expectation that comes with it because it’s so well known,” Gillins said.
In order to put the Memorial Opera House’s personal twist on the Webber jewel, the setting was molded to fit a different vision.
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“We tried to make it a nondescript time period, so costumes definitely won’t be, per se, biblical,” he related.
Family friendly, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” spins a tale of family tensions.
Joseph’s brothers are jealous of the way their father favors him. Additionally, the beautiful coat Joseph receives as a gift likewise stirs up envy.
Although sold into slavery in Egypt, Joseph finds a potent new stature when he catches the attention of Pharaoh because of his talent for interpreting dreams.
The music has an equal sparkle.
“I think ‘Go, Go, Go Joseph’ is probably the signature piece,” said Gillins.
Entrusted with the lead role of Joseph is 26-year-old Michael Ruff of Chesterton.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this,” he said. “I like Andrew Lloyd Webber.”
Ruff said his character goes through a kind of metamorphosis during the theatrical presentation.
“He grows up and realizes that there are ups and downs in life,” the actor said.
Joseph eventually “comes into his own,” Ruff noted.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is often viewed as a vibrant piece of pop-culture theater, but somber moments exist.
Ruff, a tenor, pointed to a darker toned number he sings called “Close Every Door.”
A cast of close to 30 people will perform “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at the historic Memorial Opera House, which dates back to the late 19th century.
Loge seating for $50 is available, in addition to lower-priced tickets.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
Where: Memorial Opera House, 104 E. Indiana Ave., Valparaiso
When: July 14-30; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays
Tickets: Adults, $21; senior citizens, students, military, $18
Information: 219-548-9137, http://www.memorialoperahouse.com