This weekend, Hamilton-Gibson Productions presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the Broadway hit by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, first mounted in New York in 1982 after being developed in the UK throughout the 1970s. Interestingly, it was also during this time that the first productions of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar (also by Lloyd Webber and Rice) were being mounted, another show with biblical roots where the story is told completely through music, and dubbed a “rock opera”. Joseph tells the classic bible tale of jealousy, betrayal and reconciliation all through music, but because of the show’s unique variety of musical genres it is impossible to give one overall descriptor to its musical style.  

The show does begin in a contemporary musical theater style, which is also woven throughout, but then progresses to an upbeat pop song, “Jacob and Sons”, followed by a jazzy, cabaret style number “Joseph’s Dreams” and “Poor Poor Joseph”, a Western Country style song to tell the tale of Joseph’s supposed demise at his jealous brothers’ hands. This is followed by an energetic hoe-down to celebrate Joseph as “…One More Angel in Heaven”. 

A 1970’s go-go number, an Elvis-style rockabilly, and a French-style ballad parodied by Josephs’ brothers, continues the story. Later, a Calypso style song that transports you to the islands rounds out this musical feast as we follow Joseph’s lively adventures. Director Thomas Putnam notes, “It’s challenging for all of the singers and musicians to master each of the different styles of music in this show, but it’s also what makes this show so much fun to rehearse and perform. I think audiences will be impressed with how versatile these performers are.” 

Sponsorship for this production includes 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 Straughn Auditorium on the Commonwealth University Mansfield campus, 33 Straughn Dr., Mansfield, PA. Audience members are encouraged to allow a little extra time to arrive due to road work taking place in Mansfield.