DRAMATEURS PRESENT 2011'S YOUTH PRODUCTION 'JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT' OPENS JULY 22

The Dramateurs will present  its 2011 youth production, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, by  Andrew Lloyd Webber Webber and lyricist Tim Rice July 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 at  The Barn Playhouse, on the corner of Rittenhouse Boulevard and Christopher Street in Jeffersonville.

The musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyricist Tim Rice.  Its 1982 premiere on Broadway earned seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.  The musical has become a favorite of theaters and schools throughout the world for its message of hope and the power of family.  The Dramateurs at the Barn Playhouse are continuing this tradition as they present the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors for their 2011 Youth Production. 
The musical is entirely sung, with no spoken dialogue.  It features a wide array of musical styles, from country western to rock-n-roll as it tells the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors.  Joseph, his father’s favorite son, is sold into slavery and sent to Egypt by his jealous band of brothers.  Blessed with prophetic dreams, Joseph embarks on a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are challenged.  After testing their integrity, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers in a heartfelt reconciliation. 

     An amazing collection of young performers, from elementary to high school age, will present this heartfelt tale for two weekends at their theater in Jeffersonville.  Richard Fusco of Blue Bell tackles the role of Joseph, his father’s favorite son who is sold into slavery by his band of jealous brothers.  As the narrators, Lauren Stephens of Blue Bell and Laura Pontari of Lafayette Hill share the task of bringing the story to life with song and dance.  Jacob Bowman of Ambler is Pharoah, the ruler of Egypt whose dreams are interpreted by Joseph.  The remainder of this talented ensemble cast is composed of students from several area school districts, including Norristown Area, Colonial, Methacton, Wissahickon, and Neshaminy.  The production is directed by Robert Marsch of Conshohocken, with music direction by Konnie Stark of Lansdale. 

     This production marks the fourth youth production for the Dramateurs in as many years.  Past productions have included last year’s Bye Bye Birdie, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the community theater debut of Les Miserables, School Edition.  The group has existed as a working theater since 1934 and has performed in the same renovated Barn on the corner of Rittenhouse Boulevard and Christopher Street in Jeffersonville since 1937.  The production is also a major part of the group educational mission to stimulate greater interest in the dramatic arts and literature in the greater Norristown Area. 

     The Dramateurs’ production will be presented July 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 at 7:30 pm.  There are two matinee performances July 24 and 30 at 2:00 pm.  All tickets are $15.  Reservations can be made by contacting the box office at (610) 539-BARN.  More information on the production is available at the theater’s website, www.barnplayhouse.org.