Musical presented by Norton Singers
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 3:17 AM EST
Joseph and kids
NORTON - Experience the excitement when a classic Andrew Lloyd Weber musical receives an innovative recreation, as Norton Singers, one of the area's oldest community theaters, present "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Norton Middle School, Route 123.
The popular musical, by the famed musical theater team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, is based on the "coat of many colors" story in the Book of Genesis, about Jacob and his twelve sons. The show features such well-known numbers as "Any Dream Will Do" and "Those Canaan Days." Originally written as a play for children, the show went on to become a long-running Broadway production, and has since been frequently revived, most notably, as a touring vehicle starring Donny Osmond. The Norton Singers version is being directed by Judee Bottomley, with Musical Direction by Anthony- Alexander Torelli-and the two longtime collaborators are putting a fresh twist on an old classic.
"In our production, the Norton Singers are at a weekend-long reunion. All outdoor activities have been canceled due to an unexpected storm. The story of Joseph is one that the adults tell to keep the children entertained," explains Judee Bottomley, who also serves as artistic director for the group. "This show is one that everyone will want to see-from three to ninety-three. It has a family-friendly storyline, universal themes, and, above all, beautiful, catchy music."
Attleboro resident Brian Gustafson plays the title character of Joseph, while North Easton resident Buddy Sheiber plays the patriarch of the family, Jacob. DASH award winner and Wrentham resident Kevin Mischley plays the flamboyant Pharoah. In addition, the show features over 45 local performers, including a children's chorus. The performers are: from Attleboro, Paul Bono, Lee Evans, Sarah Littmann,Kyle Blanchett and Ty Waterman; from Braintree, Giliana Austin; from Cumberland, Rebecca Parenteau, Alyssa Tetreault, Louise Tetreault; from Franklin, Austen Shumway, Ian Simpson, and Allyse Zajac; from Holbrook, Christyn Hobbs; from Lunenburg, Charisse Shields; from Mansfield, Claire Alexander; from North Attleboro, Myra Schwartz; from North Easton, John Marcus, Addy Marcus, and Elaine Sheiber; from Norton, Sarah Darling, Anne Faiella, Louise Fontaine, Melissa Franklin, Katie Milo, Bob Molitor, Catherine Molitor, Pete Molitor, and Don Powers; from Pawtucket, Jeremy Hawkins; from Raynham, Aimee Rodrigue; from Stoughton, Karen Ross; from Taunton, Marcia and Vanessa Desmarais; from West Bridgewater, Abigail McMahon and Peter Turner; from Westwood, Ted Koban.
The evening will also feature a silent auction and raffle of major prizes including a special raffle for a football autographed by Tom Brady. Proceeds will assist the group in mounting their annual spring production, planned for June 2010, which is scheduled to be the Stephen Sondheim masterwork, Sweeney Todd. The winners will be announced immediately following intermission the Sunday performance.
Advance tickets cost $20 and $18 for seniors and children under ages 18. Tickets purchased at the door will be $23. To purchase tickets, visit
www.nortonsingers.com or call 508-285-4049. Tickets are also available from cast members.
