Frequent patrons of Trinity Lutheran High School’s theatrical productions may notice something new as the cast of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” take to the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday.
The cast of more than 70 students will be using a new sound system, which was a gift from one of the school’s donors.
On Sunday evening, the cast had the chance to try the new sound system during its first dress rehearsal.
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Click here to purchase photos from this gallery“We’re ecstatic to finally be able to utilize this,” co-director Michelle Bauman said.
The musical can also been seen at 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.
Before the new system was put in place, students were trained to project their voices for the audience to hear.
“Usually, that’s pretty difficult, so it’s a big deal for us to have that,” she said of the sound system.
The story of Joseph, son of Jacob, begins in the land of Canaan.
Jacob has 12 sons, but favors his son Joseph. That favoritism comes to light when he gives Joseph a multi-colored coat.
Joseph’s brothers grow tired of him and their patience wears thin when he begins telling them about some of the dreams he’s had about how he will rise above his brothers.
In a fit of anger, the brothers decide “the dreamer has to go” and they tear up his coat and fling him in a pit.
But instead of leaving him to die, the brothers sell Joseph to some passing Ishmaelites, and Joseph’s life of slavery in Egypt begins.
Though life is difficult for Joseph, he works hard and rises in Potipher’s household.
Potipher’s wife is attracted to Joseph and tries to seduce him, but Joseph denies her repeatedly. During one of her more valiant attempts, Potipher discovers Joseph in a compromising position and sends him to jail.
And there, behind bars, Joseph encounters more dreams that indicate life for a butler and death for a baker.
He eventually rises, however, to become the second most powerful man in Egybt and is reunited with his father.
“I think they’re sounding great and the students have worked hard this year,” Bauman said during a break from the rehearsal. “They’re very positive and upbeat. I think we’re in a good place.”
The group has been rehearsing before school and during the school’s first hour this fall.
“In October, the whole cast joined us,” she said.
Bauman said the reason the school decided to try Joseph was because of the number of strong male voices the drama club has this year.
“There were a number of senior boys we needed parts for and this one requires a lot of boys because of Joseph’s brothers,” she said.
Bauman’s son, Nathaniel, will play the lead role of Joseph. Denver Shelley will portray Jacob.
“I’ve always wanted to do Joseph and so it’s very much a dream come true,” she said. “I love the opportunity for the male voices. I love the opportunity to share a classical Biblical story and the eclectic music.”
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What: Trinity Lutheran High School’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Doors open an hour before the show begins.
Where: Trinity Lutheran High School
Cost: $10 per person
Directors: Michelle Bauman and Leah Schneider
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