Life lessons learned during WHS musical

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WORTHINGTON — WHS Performing Arts is proud to present the 2009 All-School Musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Feb. 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30 pm in the historic Memorial Auditorium in Worthington. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, nearly 100 students are involved with this year’s musical filled with high energy production numbers, dazzling dancing, wonderful voices, beautiful costumes and stunning sets.

Director/Choreographer Jon Loy leads the cast, crew and on-stage musicians through this biblical saga of “Joseph” and his coat of many colors with musical parables, whimsy and fun! WHS seniors Lizzy Wettering, Anneli Dudley and Heather Johnson act as narrators throughout the production while junior Wesley Berger, portraying the title role, reminds us all that we can learn a life lesson or two from the “Joseph” story if we “think it, want it, dream it .. .any dream will do.”

Set to musical styles reminiscent of country-western, Calypso, rock ‘n’ roll and pop, this Old Testament tale emerges as both timely and timeless in today’s world of economic strife, unsettled peace and broken dreams. “Joseph” takes us through a journey filled with hope, prosperity and goodwill. Since early December, students involved with the production have studied the show’s message through singing, acting, dancing and stage design.

The storyline, taken out of the Bible book of Genesis, sees that Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. (Joseph’s father, Jacob, is portrayed by sophomore Daniel Anderson). When Joseph is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, he endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams catches the eye of Pharaoh (portrayed by sophomore Brandon Berger, ala Elvis). Teaming with the Pharaoh, Joseph is well on his way to becoming second in command. Eventually his brothers, having suffered greatly due to the famine, find themselves groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed but no longer recognize. After testing their integrity, Joseph reveals himself to them, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation of the songs of Israel.

The WHS All-School Musical in its third year of implementing a mentorship program involving various adults in the community and ISD 518, where students interested in the technical theatre side of the production are able to work alongside teachers representing their expertise in design. Tech. Ed instructor John Singler, assisted by WHS alum Axel Wass, help with set design & the construction of the multi-layered set while Kris Besel, English instructor, heads up the costume design area, assisted by Bonnie Bents and the creative sewing class. Memorial Auditorium staffers Rod Sankey (sound and light design) and Judie Johnson (color design) teach students various techniques utilizing the auditorium’s various resources including wireless mics and advanced lighting. Alums Amelia Berger (hair and makeup design) and Yoli Salas (properties), collaborate with tech crew members on the creative visual side of this year’s production. Graphics Arts teacher Tricia Mikle works with her class on developing the actual “Joseph” logos and colors used on everything from t-shirts to table tents to the actual printed program of the all-school musical. More than 25 technical theatre students have taken advantage of this unique partnership that has allowed for a common bond of excellence for the musical.

Finally, production director Jon Loy picks two deserving students each year to act as “Production Assistants” (seniors Leigh Van Hove and Cortney Workman). The assistants work in tandem with Loy and learn all facets of show design, direction and execution from the initial audition process and rehearsal staging to stage managing the entire show each night.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is presented through and exclusive arrangement with R& H Theatricals, New York, N.Y.. and The Really Useful Group Limited.

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