I have gotten to visit some amazing productions lately by our local high schools and have been blown away by the talent we have living here in Central Minnesota. I also have to give kudos to the passion these young people are showing for their roles no matter how big or small. This week I got to visit Sauk Rapids-Rice High School.

For six days the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Performing Arts Center will take you on a journey to ancient Egypt for the production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The story is a take on the biblical journey of Joseph and his coat of many colors, the trials and tribulations that he went through during his life and the outcome of his many adventures. Being the “favorite son” certainly has its advantages, but it can also come with a great cost. This is especially true when your brothers decide to plot against you and devise a plan to get you out of the picture. With the odds stacked against him, Joseph continues to be follow his dreams and ends up in a much better place for it in the end.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the first Andrew Lloyd Webber musical with lyrics by Tim Rice to be performed publicly. This show first hit Broadway in 1982 and was so successful it was made into a movie starring Donny Osmond in 1999. Last year it was performed at the Paramount Theater in St. Cloud. If you are familiar with this musical, you will know that it employs a huge cast of around 90 people. This is a very large undertaking for a theater company, let alone a high school drama department.

I saw Joseph on stage at the Paramount last year and it was an incredible show. When I saw the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School production last night, I have to say it will give the “professional” production a run for its money.

The theater at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School is one of the best in the area for productions like this. The Christianson family has obviously poured their heart and soul into this program and it shows with this production. The sets are spot on, the lighting is top notch and this show uses a live orchestra – something you rarely see in a high school production.

The full cast has done an incredible job transforming this show from the written script to the stage. Each student has whole-heartedly embraced their character and are set on bringing them to life. The lead characters are cast perfectly and with their strong vocals and ability to connect with the audience, you are sure to be pulled into the story from the first note all the way to the final bows.

I big round of applause is certainly deserved for the director, the kids (Kindergarten through Senior) and the entire cast of this show. They have done a brilliant job pulling it all together and you will be in for a great treat when you see it in person.

 

You can see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the theater at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Thursday – Sunday, November 10-12 at 7pm each night. A second weekend run will be Friday – Sunday, November 18-20 at 7pm Friday and Saturday and at 2pm on Sunday the 20th. Admission is $8 for adults, students and seniors are $6. All seating is general admission. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets call Tammy at 320-258-1779.

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