GREENEVILLE – Cast members and the behind-the-scenes production team are putting the final touches on the upcoming 10-performance run of the beloved musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Tusculum University.

Erin Hensley Schultz, left, rehearses with children in the cast.

Actors rehearse for the upcoming performances of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
The Theatre-at-Tusculum shows will take place in Behan Arena Theatre Nov. 14, Nov. 15, Nov. 16, Nov. 21, Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 16, Nov. 17, Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. Steve Schultz, the musical’s director, said the performances will highly entertain audiences as they absorb the story and the vocals of the ensemble.
“The show contains a little bit of everything,” said Schultz, who also serves as director of Tusculum Arts Outreach. “When audiences come to the theater, they will see a familiar story told in a very comfortable and fun way. Our actors and the production team have left rehearsals in great spirits because it is a very enjoyable and high-energy musical. They will present exceptional shows the community will not want to miss.”
Told entirely through song with the help of a main character, Narrator, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” follows preferred son Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife.
While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty, but troubled, Elvis-inspired Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family.
Schultz said audiences will be treated to a variety of musical styles as the show progresses. They will experience a mix of country, pop, calypso, ballad and rock ‘n roll and hear an homage to ‘90s boy bands and ’50 girls groups.
At the same time, they are watching a show with biblical underpinnings, and Schultz is tapping into that with short presentations before the shows. He is inviting local faith leaders to have them introduce the show by talking about the story of Joseph for a few minutes. They are not giving a sermon but will share why this story is in the Bible and why it is so memorable.

Jordan Baker, left, who plays Reuben, speaks with Richard Vincent, who plays Issachar.

Steve Schultz, the show’s director, provides guidance to the cast.
Presenting the shows has been the culmination of determination and adjustment as the cast and crew have navigated the challenges presented by Hurricane Helene. The home of Schultz and his wife, Erin, sustained severe damage, forcing them to take time to address that personal situation. They and their two children are now living on campus as they take the next steps toward fixing the damage so they can return home.
In addition, many volunteers associated with the shows headed to additional places deeply impacted by the hurricane to assist with recovery. As a result, there was a three-week disruption in in-person rehearsals. All cast members have made modifications to keep the show on track, including learning their parts through software.
Steve Schultz said the support he received immediately after his family’s home was damaged reinforced for him the need for the show to proceed.
“We had no idea what to do and no clue where to start,” he said. “Within minutes, dozens and dozens of local theater volunteers came and just took over cleaning our house. The theater community really showed up, and I kept thanking them. But a lot of people expressed their thanks to us as well.
“Right then, I knew we had to do the show because this is what theater means to the whole community. This community also deserves to forget there was a flood for two hours during the show as a breather from the heaviness that has entailed.”
In spite of all that has transpired, Steve Schultz and others are putting in extra time now to have the musical ready for opening night. Shultz said Theatre-at-Tusculum will still provide a full and impressive show for the audience. He is pleased to report that all cast members who were present at the start of rehearsals have been able to stay a part of this production.

Erin Hensley Schultz, who plays Narrator, rehearses.

R.J. McCollum, who plays Joseph, rehearses one of the songs.
The leading cast members will be R.J. McCollum as Joseph and Erin Hensley Schultz as Narrator. Jordan Baker as Reuben, Edward Breese as Pharaoh, Zach Gass as Simeon and Natacia Kea as Judah will perform solos. The cast includes 14 adults, 11 children 13 and younger and 10 other teenagers.
Many are experienced and currently active in theater, others are new to the stage and some have returned after an extended absence.
McCollum moved to the region in 2016 and found the theater community to be a second home. He last performed in a musical in “Mamma Mia” in 2021 at Tusculum and wanted to perform in that format again, so he was excited to audition and have an opportunity to work with Steve Schultz.
“I just really enjoy Joseph’s story and the journey that he takes,” McCollum said. “It’s a powerful story, and I’m honored that I get to portray it alongside my very talented fellow cast members. I love the variety of music in this show. There are so many genres of music represented in this show. There’s bound to be something for everyone – from country music to Elvis-inspired rock ‘n roll. It’s a real treat.”
In addition to Steve Schultz, the production team includes Faith Rader as music director, Dodger Kirkland as stage manager and Elizabeth Sparks as choreographer. Besides acting, Erin Schultz is overseeing the creation of costumes for the musical, including the spectacular dreamcoat. Steve Schultz is also supervising lighting and set design.
“Audiences are in for a great time when they come to the theater for the shows,” said Dr. Kurtis Miller, executive director of Tusculum’s Center for the Arts. “The dedication the cast and crew have shown is inspiring and will translate to their performances throughout the run. That spirit of camaraderie, enthusiasm and commitment to high-quality productions that enrich personal lives is a hallmark of Tusculum’s theater program. We look forward to seeing the community at the shows and celebrating the arts with us.”
Tickets are $19 for anyone ages 13-59, $17 for anyone 60 and older and $7 for children 12 and younger. People can purchase tickets at https://www.onthestage.tickets/tusculum-university.
Theatre-at-Tusculum is supported in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. Additional information about the Center for the Arts and Arts Outreach is available at https://site.tusculum.edu/center-for-the-arts/. To learn more about the university, please visit www.tusculum.edu.