By Caitlyn Pray
Student Reporter
Many Rangers may be familiar with the story of Joseph found in the Bible, but very few will likely expect how the Northwestern Theatre department presents it.
As the wheels began turning with the initial ideas, thoughts and visions of what the musical, ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,’ would look like, the director began to take on a different view of what she wanted the musical to be rather than what was expected. Dr. Kimberly Weast, director of the production, decided to give the traditional story an unexpected twist by setting the Biblical story in the time that it was written—1968.
With such a queer time and setting for the traditional, Biblical story, viewers really might not know what to expect—and that’s just one of the many things Weast and production crew of the Northwestern Theatre department find exciting about it. Although vivid details and clues cannot be given, all students, faculty and Alva community members are invited to come experience the story of Joseph like they’ve probably never seen before.
Of course, with so much put into this play—hours of singing practice, rehearsing, stage designing, involving grade school children, finding over 20 actors, costume designing and creating, and so much more—it’s not a wonder that there are many hands involved with the project and have been dedicatedly working on their parts for weeks.
Alica Hall, coordinator of printing services, was in charge of the costuming from the very beginning and says that since the end of the last theatrical production that performed during the late end of February, she has been scheming, sketching and securing costumes for each of the many characters in each scene.
“The fun thing about costumes is that you need something new and something different for every show,” Hall said. “Ever since the beginning of March most of all my free time has been dedicated to working on the costumes, and I am really especially excited for some of them and watching just how they turn out.”
Although the threat of spoilers keeps many details about the costumes from being told, much was said about the hard work and meticulous details that Hall put into each outfit, and audiences are encouraged to come and see for themselves the costume creator’s hours of hard work on stage.
While Hall stayed busy with costuming and Weast with directing over the past couple of months, many actors have also had to put hard work, dedication and long hours into their parts for the musical. Erin Davis, who many know as the university relations specialist, was cast as the narrator in this production and says she also has stayed busy practicing her role since the cast first learned their characters.
“Rehearsing my part for the musical has been exciting and challenging,” Davis said. “The narrator part is split between myself and Gentry Mortensen. It has been exciting working with the directors to develop our characters and individual voices to share this story. It has been challenging simply trying to balance everything else I am involved with. I am always grateful for the people who continue to support me and help me accomplish my goals.”
All are encouraged to see the production as it is performed April 11, 12 and 13 in the Herod Hall Auditorium.
Tickets can be bought in advance or at the door for $15 for general admission, $12 for Northwestern employees, and $10 for students.