Photo by: Henoc Kivuye
One of the main events of Oklahoma Christian University’s homecoming week is the annual musical. This year, the audience will be presented with a classic Bible story as depicted in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is a musical that is suitable for all ages. Through the course of the production, Joseph endures various adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged.
“It is the story of Joseph and his brothers who sell him into slavery in Egypt, who eventually becomes number two to pharaoh,” Phil Reagan, associate professor of communications and theater, said. “It is told with modern music, with pop and rock, and a little country.”
The musical variety found in the musical is wide and diverse, drawing from different genres and eras of music to bring to life characters not typically associated with modern music.
“For example, pharaoh is an Elvis-type pharaoh – he sings and sounds a little bit like Elvis,” Reagan said. “There is a lot of really fun music and even students backstage say it is going to be a very enjoyable show.”
Unlike past performances, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will have over 100 members. The production features 67 cast members, 27 of which are students from Oklahoma Christian’s music and theater departments and 40 are children of faculty and staff.
“They make a real neat part of the show, because it requires children to be in the show,” Reagan said. “It is a very big cast … plus the students playing in the orchestra, totaling over 100 participants involved in this production.”
With so many young members, participation in the musical is a unique experience for students.
“Every year it’s great to meet new people and hang out with old friends, and this year meeting the children helps you make a better connection with the faculty and alumni of OC, which is always fun to have connections in the area,” senior Brent Petersen said.
The musical will showcase the talent of Oklahoma Christian students.
“I have never been more excited for a production before, such as I am with ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” junior Jolie Gasper said. “We have so many talented individuals.”
With so many participants, the opportunity to learn from each other and gain knowledge is increased.
“This year our cast has some veterans, but we have a lot of newbies – either freshmen or upperclassmen in their first show,” Petersen said. “We have such a variety of talents in this show and everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, but we’ve worked well supporting and helping each other to become our best.”
Senior Brian Wilcox started off as a freshman and was able to retain lead roles and supporting roles throughout his college career.
“Brian Wilcox, who is playing Joseph, is an outstanding talent,” Reagan said. “Brian has been in a number of shows either playing lead or a supporting role since he was a freshman. He has the lead role this year, his senior year, of Joseph. He has done a really good job and is a fine singer and performer.”
Another aspect of the musical this year is the involvement of faculty members.
“Another thing that really makes this show fun is that Mr. Anderson [the director] was able to ask some of our faculty members to be in the show,” Reagan said. “Dr. Baird of the Bible department, Dr. Pullen our choral director and Dr. Matt McCook, who teaches in the history area, is also in the show. So we have three professors that are really talented involved in the production.“
For over eight weeks, all involved in the production of the musical have been putting in long hours to make “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” a memorable experience for students, alumni, faculty and the community.
“We want to encourage everyone to come see it; it is a show that would appeal to any age,” Reagan said. “We have camels and sheep and lots of interesting aspects of the story that people will thoroughly enjoy. It will be great fun for all ages.”
Each of the three performances will begin at 8 p.m. in Hardeman Auditorium. Tickets cost $15, with discounts for groups, senior citizens and Oklahoma Christian students, faculty and staff. Tickets can be purchased online or on weekdays at the Box Office or by calling (405) 425-5540.
0
0
Be First to Comment