'Joseph's Dreamcoat' Attracts Audiences

By John Ma

Twenty-nine singers, dancers, and actors, including 22 performers who have appeared in previous Music Theatre productions, have been selected for roles in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Ten performances start July 15 at St. Norbert College.

Music Theatre twice performed the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, most recently in 1994.

Brad Desch will appear as Joseph, with Holly Terrien Rottier as the Narrator.

Men returning to re-create roles they played in the earlier production are Mark Jackson as the Pharaoh, Chad Lemerande as Simeon and Paul Grall as Zebulun.

Ann Preiss Gray and Natalie Terrien Rein will return as wives.

Other members of the cast with Music Theatre credits are Warren Elliott as Naphtali; Scott Greatens, Asher; James C. Marker, Issachar; Benjamin H.G. Schultz, Reuben; Christopher Wuelling, Gad; Michael Bauer, Dan; and Jim Wirch, Benjamin.

Music Theatre veterans appearing as wives to Jacob’s sons are Casey Adams, Mari Bakken, Amy Beyer, Emily Grace, Molly Gray, Beth Ann LoCascio, Kristin Steel and Elizabeth Waerzeggers.

Appearing with Music Theatre for the first time are Andy Rusch, Judah; Arthur Bates, Levi; and Kerri Francini, Liz McMonagle and Ashley Pankow, wives.

The 32 children in the production were selected through auditions held in January.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is directed by James P. Birder and choreographed by Alicia Birder.

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