-
Alt Text for Image -
Alt Text for Image -
Alt Text for Image
By Crystal Reith The Murray County Central High School auditorium will come alive with color, music, and energy this November as students present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, a vibrant musical retelling of the biblical story of Joseph.
Directed by longtime MCC musical director Isaac Harms, this year’s production features over 40 students in grades seven through 12, plus a children’s choir of 17 elementary students and an orchestra that features local community members.
The musical will be performed on Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and $4 for seniors. Activity passes will be honored. Popcorn will be available with donations going towards future productions.
“This musical has been on my watchlist for a while, but I have been waiting for just the right time,” said Harms. “We have a younger cast, but a very large group that works well collectively. This show features the large group scenes of Joseph’s brothers along with their wives, which allows for more students to be featured.”
Based on the biblical story, the musical explores themes of perseverance, forgiveness and faith, but with a modern twist.
“It tells how Joseph stays positive and believes, even when his brothers betray him and he faces tough times,” said Harms. “In the end, he forgives his brothers and the family is reunited. The story shows that if you trust in God, use the gifts you’ve been given, don’t focus on being the victim and forgive others, great things can come from hard times.”
Told entirely through music, the show combines creativity, teamwork, and joy, all set to the unforgettable music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.
“The most unique aspect and challenge is that this musical story is told completely through music, with no spoken lines,” said Harms. “That is something we have not attempted before. The songs come in many fun styles - rock, country, disco, calypso and more - which keeps the show exciting and full of variety.”
The Narrator, played by Annie Scandrett, guides the audience through the story with humor and heart. Lucas Kuball stars as Joseph, the dreamer who faces betrayal, hardship, and redemption. Logan Stoel takes on the role of Pharaoh, adding a fun, Elvis-inspired flair to the show.
“As a director, it’s fun to look for gifting in September and pull it into existence as the students shine during their performance in November,” said Harms, who notes that his favorite part is the creative outlet. “Every student has talent. There’s something deep within each individual that can contribute to the show.”
While the cast gains life skills like confidence, teamwork and growth, Harms also believes it provides an opportunity for students to build relationships.
“It allows for accepting others from all walks of life,” said Harms. “It brings kids from all these random friend groups that typically wouldn’t hang out together, but it brings the diversity of personality together as a family since we are working hard together.”
Harms encourages all community members to support the students and attend a showing.
“Whether or not you’re into musicals, to see all the students
put together an entire big Broadway-style show right here in our small rural area, is a tremendous feat that all can appreciate,” said Harms.
“The music is so fun and upbeat with various styles. Not only will it be entertaining, but the story of Joseph is such a powerful message of rejection, hope, forgiveness and overcoming life’s trials and tribulations. It’s a family-friendly show that’s funny, positive and full of energy.”
