The musical, from the prolific Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, is actually one of the first rock operas and began as a short school program.
Expanded into a full production, it did not gain popularity until after the later-written Jesus Christ Superstar was so successful. Although the story is told with virtually no traditional dialog, it accurately relates the Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors through a wide variety of musical styles.
As described in a synopsis, Joseph, his father’s favorite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. He is purchased by Potiphar where advances from Potiphar’s wife lands him in jail. When news of Joseph’s gift to interpret dreams reaches the Pharaoh (depicted as Elvis), Joseph is well on his way to becoming second in command. Eventually his brothers, having suffered greatly, unknowingly find themselves groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed but no longer recognize. After testing their integrity, Joseph reveals himself leading to a heartfelt reconciliation of the sons of Israel.
This is the 13th musical directed by Phil and Sylvia Nanney for the school.
“It was a senior musical before,” Phil said “but we wanted to open it up.”
By having the entire student body to choose from, the Nanneys have been able to better fill specific needs in productions and, more important, to develop the level of skills and talent.
“We have kids who are seniors and this is their fourth musical,” Nanney said. “They can go from the chorus to a major role.”
Although this approach almost guarantees a good talent pool, they still hold auditions for each show. “Because you never know who will show up,” he said, and they may find a potential lead actor who has never participated before.
“Joseph” is a bit of a stretch compared to more traditional Broadway musicals but then the Nanneys have been broadening New Albany’s repertroire anyway. “We look at what we’ve done, and what we may be able to do,” he said, of choosing a production.
“This show has a lot of significant male roles,” Nanney said. “There are 14 and you can’t always do that.” This year, they knew they could.
And the theatre training is not just for the lead actors. “We have some who love to dance and some who prefer set work,” he said. As a result, “the students are having a good time and doing an excellent job bringing the work to life.”
It also doesn’t hurt that the New Albany musical productions serve as a good training ground for anyone who wants to continue in theatre in any way.
Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, and Saturday, Feb. 6, and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, in the New Albany High School Auditorium.
General admission is $6.00 and reserved seating is $8.00. For ticket information, call New Albany High School at 534-1805.
In addition to the Nanneys as directors, Mary Beth Muncie is in charge of choreography, assisted by Beth Parks. Brooke McClain is in charge of computer lighting. Hollis Brown and Jimmy Garrett are in charge of sound with Adam Wise and David McMillen as technical assistants. Jim Muncie is in charge of the set crew and Jason Carson is orchestral director.
Cast:
- Joseph – Bryan Green
- Narrator – McKinley Ranager / Savannah Horgan / Allie Vance
- Pharaoh – Lucas Foley
- Jacob – Donte’ Ferrell
- Brothers: Reuben – Drew Davis ,Simeon – Tarver Reeder, Judah – Aaron Golden, Levi – Jud Roberts, Naphali – Keat Johnson, Issachar – Emanuel Jones, Asher – Tyler Jackson, Dan – Michael Joslin, Zebulun – Hunter Surles, Gad – Josh Creekmore, Benjamin – Matthew Darling
- Potiphar – John Peter Ford
- Mrs. Potipher – Hannah Prater
- Baker – Keat Johnson
- Butler – Donte’ Ferrell
- Wives: Katie Aderholt, Emily Carol Alef, Anna Brooke Conlee, Elizabeth Day, Olivia Dunnam, Emily Kirkland, Mary Katherine Kitchens, T’Keyah Manson, Latoya McJunkin, Aspen Smith, Lyndie Stokes
- Go, Go, Go Joseph/Egyptian Dancers: Sara Katherine Cagle, Kristen Cochran, Callie Creekmore, Andrea Hall, Trinity Ingram, Contessa Jones, Emma Keener, Kellie McClelland, Madison McMillin, Kaitlyn Mitchell, Meredith Mueller, Lauren Teague, Mary Beth Tate, Paige Witt
- Pharaoh’s Guard: Jay Davis, Spencer Day, Shaquille Garner, Jerrell Howell, Keenan Morris, Jacobie Rogers, Reggie Webb
- Camel / Ishmaelite: Jalanna Cameron, Alisha Smith, Reggie Webb
- Dream Chorus I: Jamie Benefield, Katelyn Boyd, Alissa Byrd, Chawntee’a Campbell, Mattie Carter, Margaret Curry, Meghan Davis, Hannah Fennell, Tairre Ferrell, Danica Gray, Paige Green, Corderica Hale, Amanda Hill, Sara Beth Holt, Iris Lee, Kelly Faye Mason, Shelby Newell, Lindsey Powell, Nichole Roaton, Bobbie Rogers, Caroline Tate, Elkannah Thompson, Marbreshia Ticer, Patricia Wiseman
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