GREENEVILLE – A cast of 35 that features a blend of Tusculum University family members, alumni and people from the community will bring high-quality entertainment to audiences when “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” takes the stage in November on campus.
R.J. McCollum, who plays Joseph, sings during the opening night of rehearsals.
Erin Hensley Schultz, who plays Narrator, sings during a rehearsal.
The production team recently finalized the cast for this musical, and nightly rehearsals have begun for this Theatre-at-Tusculum show. Steve Schultz, director of Tusculum Arts Outreach and a local theater veteran, is serving as director of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and he is thrilled with the cast that has been assembled.
“We are excited to have a cast that is vibrant, brilliantly talented and endlessly charming,” Schultz said. “All cast members perfectly fit the roles they have been assigned, and that will result in smooth rehearsals and exceptional performances for our audiences. These performers are committed to the show, and they will work extremely hard to have a lot of fun.”
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will be held 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. Theatre-at-Tusculum is holding 10 shows because of anticipated sellouts for this highly regarded musical, which will consist almost entirely of singing.
Schultz said it is appropriate the shows will take place in the Behan.
“The reason we picked this show was due to the musical being held in the Behan,” he said. “This production requires a connection with the audience and a fun, party atmosphere to tell an important story. The intimacy of the Behan will create the right ambience for ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.’”
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.
Cast members sing during a rehearsal. In the front row are Natacia Kea, left, and Jonah Kirkland. In the second row are Thomas Seemuth, left, and Vandal Harris. In the back row is Neil Seefeldt.
Steve Schultz, foreground, who is directing “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” speaks with cast members during a rehearsal.
The leading cast members will be R.J. McCollum as Joseph and Erin Hensley Schultz as Narrator. McCollum is a relatively recent newcomer to the local theater scene, while Erin Schultz brings an extensive acting portfolio to her role.
Audience members will also hear solos from Jordan Baker as Reuben, Edward Breese as Pharaoh, Zach Gass as Simeon and Natacia Kea as Judah. Baker is an assistant professor of biology at the university, and Breese serves as Tusculum’s marketing director. Gass is a Tusculum alumnus, and Kea has worked in local theater, including most recently as a cast member in the highly successful “Newsies” in the spring.
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. Most of the cast members are from Greene County, but others come from Washington County and Cocke County. People can view the entire cast list at bit.ly/4ehO99X.
Some cast members will participate in a variety of community publicity events to promote the show prior to opening night.
This is the graphic for the musical.
Cast members Jonah Kirkland, left, and Thomas Seemuth consult on the script.
In addition to Schultz, the behind-the-scenes production team includes Faith Rader as music director, Dodger Kirkland as stage manager and Elizabeth Sparks as the choreographer. When she is not rehearsing, Erin Schultz will be busy overseeing the creation of the costumes for the musical. Steve Schultz is also supervising the lighting and set design.
“We are eager to begin our indoor theater season with such an outstanding show as ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,’” said Dr. Kurtis Miller, executive director of Tusculum’s Center for the Arts. “Steve has brought together an excellent cast, and that will become even more evident during rehearsals and the performances. We’re proud of our theater tradition at Tusculum, and this show will reinforce the caliber of our arts program.”
Theatre-at-Tusculum is supported in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Tickets and additional information about the production will be available soon at https://arts.tusculum.edu/. More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.