Cornerstone Youth Theatre is gearing up to present an interactive sing-along performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat Aug. 21st at 7 p.m. and Aug. 22nd at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at New Life Fellowship Church (20 Kelloway Cresc.)
From the musical library of Rodgers and Hammerstein with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colours comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable.
Joseph, his father’s favourite 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 challenged.
He is purchased by Potiphar where thwarting advances from Potiphar’s wife land him in jail. When news of Joseph’s gift to interpret dreams reaches the Pharaoh, Joseph is well on his way to becoming second in command.
Eventually his brothers, having suffered greatly, unknowlingly find themselves groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed but no longer recognize.
Set to an engaging ‘cornucupia’ of musical styles, this Old Testament tale emerges both ‘timely and timeless.’
From start to finish, the production is indeed a mesmerizing blur of colour, energy and engaging storytelling, said Stephanie Orr, artistic director.
“Whether they are familiar with the show or not, we have props for them and the lyrics up on the screen so they can sing along with us,” said Orr, adding Cornerstone had a sing-a-long version of the production last year as well, and the audience was hysterical.
“It’s really fun to be in the middle of an audience that is participating.”
The show is part of a 10-day teen camp with 40 youth that Cornerstone has been hosting, where participants have been able to flex their theatrical muscles and hone all kinds of skills.
Having the chance to present publically what they’ve been pouring so much time and attention into seemed the natural course of direction. Most of the kids have some experience, but there are about 10 or so who are brand new to the theatre ‘adventure.’
“There are encouraging of each other, and not competitive. They have a really good team spirit,” she said of the process of staging the show.
Again, it’s an action-packed adventure guaranteed to entertain.
“It’s like you’re jumping on a train and going for a 90-minute ride,” laughs Orr. “Every song is written in a different genre, and there really isn’t any breathing room. You just run for 90 minutes. You can’t have low energy, or you will fall off the train!”
Call 403-986-2981 or visit cornerstoneyouththeatre.org for tickets or for more information.
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