It Takes a Village to be “Amazing” 

The production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, presented by Hamilton-Gibson Productions and opening on Friday, July 5th, truly demonstrates the adage, “It takes a village.” The community putting it all together includes a wide range of musicians, artists, actors, seamstresses, parents, truck drivers, poster-hanger-uppers and more. 

The incredible backdrops have been created by local graphic artist Tim Crane (www.TimothyPaul.Design.) You may have seen the wonderful backdrops that Tim created for the production of Elephant’s Graveyard at the Coolidge Theatre last year. For this production, the drops are in the style of artist Marc Chagall. Chagall, a Jewish painter and stained-glass window creator, brought his heritage and whimsy to his dance-like work. As in the Elephant’s Graveyard drops, Tim has been able to find just the right colors and style for Joseph. He’s a remarkable artist.

Many of the costumes are being created by local seamstresses. Peggi Yaccovissi and Elaine O’Neil have made costumes for us in the past, and they are graciously taking on the task of building most of the costumes for the 11 brothers and 11 women in the show. Two sets of costumes are needed for these 22 characters for settings in Judea and later in Egypt. It’s a monumental task, and the cast is grateful to have these two women heading up this project.

The pit band includes musicians from all of the county and beyond. Pianist Gary Citro of Wellsboro has helped accompany the many music rehearsals, as Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat is a story told entirely through song. 

12 children from all over the county—Westfield, Tioga, Blossburg, Mansfield, Liberty, Wellsboro — are in the show, and have put in many hours of rehearsal time. They are onstage throughout a majority of the show and have worked very hard on the music and the choreography. They begin the show as contemporary children and then jump into the story to become members of the tribes of Israel, and then Ishmaelites, and then Egyptians. The kids and their supportive parents have been giving 100%.

Director Thomas Putnam remarks, “This project has been one of the most satisfying collaborations I’ve participated in. The local talent that has come together is truly impressive, and I feel lucky to be part of such a creative, energetic community of artists and enthusiasts. Joseph is a show and a story for everyone, told through music and beautifully sung by this cast. Don’t miss it!”

Sponsorship for this production has also been a team effort. Contributors include Drs. Maria Cruz and Edgar Wong, Dr. Kathryn Sheneman, United Methodist Church of Wellsboro, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Thrift Shop of Wellsboro, along with the season sponsor, Ward Manufacturing. There will be an opening night celebration on July 5th, sponsored by the United Methodist Church of Roseville.

Tickets are available on-line at HGP.BOOKTIX.COM or by calling 570.724.2079. Adults are $16; 18 and under are $8. Performances are July 5 at 7:30pm, July 6 at 2:30 and 7:30pm, and July 7 at 2:30pm, held at air-conditioned Straughn Auditorium (bring a jacket) on the Commonwealth University Mansfield campus, 33 Straughn Dr., Mansfield.