Grand Island Dispatch, January 25, 2008

The sounds of disco, rock and roll, country and western, French ballads, and the Charleston emanate each day from the doors of the high school auditorium. It is not a musical revue but final preparations for “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” set to play Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 31 to Feb. 2.

Director Carolyn Lokken said the play depicts the Biblical story of Joseph, son of Jacob, who is sold into slavery by his brothers. The show is a popular choice of high school drama departments because of its eclectic music, Lokken said.

“It’s got a great mix of all kinds of music,” Lokken said. “It’s got all these different styles packed into this old setting. It has a lot of appeal.”

Approximately 70 students are in the cast and two dozen in the crew.

The story is explained to the audience via the narrators (Alex Davis, Shannon Farmer, Julia Figliotti, Rachel Gaydosh, Ciara Morreale, Rachel Olszewski, and Sarah Stenzel). Joseph (Sean Hook) is the favorite son of Jacob (P.J. Lemme). Joseph, who is able to interpret dreams, is the envy of his 11 brothers (John Gannon, TJ Slipko, Andrew Fix, Matthew Little, Tim Lewis, Lee Becker, Patrick Sexton, Nick Kelly, Griffin Smith, Kearney Erhard, and Noah Rothberg). In a fit of jealousy they sell Joseph into slavery.

The brothers and their wives (Kim Snell, Jessica Sturniolo, Kahla Cerrillo, Alicia Sommer, Liz Restey, Giovanna Andolina, Kaitlin Hager, Kara Dudley, Lauren Fonte, and Alyssa Accardo ) tell Jacob that Joseph has been killed. Meanwhile in Egypt, Joseph has gained the trust of his owner, Potiphar (Jacob Ferrante). He has also caught the wandering eye of Mrs. Potiphar (Amy Bidell). Potipahr, misunderstanding Joseph, jails him. It is there he interprets the dreams of the Maid (Tara Hook) and the Baker (Allie Boron). News of Joseph’s ability to read dreams travels to Pharaoh (Andrew Stange), who summons Joseph to his court.

In Act II, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh the King. He predicts seven years of plenty followed by seven years of starvation. Joseph again rises to a position of importance. His brothers, by this time, have hit hard times. They arrive at court and petition Joseph, whom they do not recognize, for assistance. Joseph does not reveal his identity, but sets one of his brothers up to appear as a thief. The brothers beg for his mercy, and, seeing their unselfishness, Joseph reveals his identity. The family reunites for Joseph’s triumphant arrival home.

Directors Michael DeDario and Lokken are working with an ensemble of more than 70 students who complete of the cast of Ishmaelites, Do Wop chorus, court servants, and townsfolk. A student orchestra led by Martin Allen will accompany the ensemble, and students taking an advertising class, under the guidance of Cindy Wynne have designed a poster and program logo.