Coat is Catalyst for Conflict and Redemption at MCCC's Kelsey Theatre July 10-19 6/12/09 Jealousy over a spectacular coat is the touchstone for conflict when the hit musical, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," comes to MCCC's Kelsey Theatre. Presented by The Yardley Players, show times and performances are Fridays, July 10 and 17 at 8 p.m., Saturdays, July 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays, July 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on July 10. This Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical is based on the Biblical story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Jacob has 12 sons; his favorite is clearly Joseph, whom he presents with a brilliant, multi-colored coat. The gift sparks jealousy among the other brothers and, deciding to get rid of Joseph, they sell him to nomadic Ishmaelites. Joseph ends up in Egypt, the slave of the wealthy Potiphar. Rising through ranks, he becomes head of the household servants. But Potiphar's wife wants more from him than chores. When they are found together, an enraged Potiphar has Joseph jailed. As two cellmates tell him their dreams, Joseph reveals an uncanny ability to read dreams and portend the future. This talent eventually leads him to the Pharaoh, who is having mysterious dreams of his own - seven fat cows, seven skinny cows, seven healthy ears of corn and seven dead ears of corn. Joseph foresees years of plenty, followed by years of famine. He counsels the Pharaoh to prepare and becomes his most trusted advisor. Cast members from "Joseph" include wives, brothers and Joseph and his amazing coat, top row, center. Laurie Gougher and Meera Mohan are the narrators. Back at home, Joseph's brothers are hungry and remorseful. Learning that Egypt still has food, they decide to travel there, not realizing that the man in charge is, in fact, their long-lost brother. Recognizing them, Joseph gives them food and sends them on their way, but not before planting a golden cup in the sack of his youngest brother, Benjamin. When Benjamin is accused of stealing the cup, the brothers implore Joseph to imprison them instead of Benjamin. Seeing their selflessness, Joseph reveals himself. The show ends with a happy family reunion. Originating in London, "Joseph" was first performed in America in 1970, and proved so popular that it moved to Broadway in 1972. With a score that uses a variety of musical styles, the show has enjoyed numerous professional and amateur revivals. This recent version from the United Kingdom has added to and enhanced the original score. Cast members for "Joseph" include: Jim Petro as Joseph, Laurie Gougher and Meera Mohan are the narrators, James Banar as Jacob, Walter Smyth as Potiphar, and Joe Zedeny as Pharaoh. The brothers are played by Andrew Clark, Rob Gougher, Michael Kaish, Jamie Kay, Ethan Levy, Paul McGlew, Andrew Millin, Nicholas Pecht, Dan Slothower and Matt South. The brothers' wives are played by Alexa Agourides, Beverly Kuo-Hamilton, Kathleen Kutalek, Melissa Leshchanka, Gianna Miranda, Sally Page, Ashley Patrick, Jennifer Rohmeyer, Liz Wurtz, and Amy Zalot. Featured dancers include Alexa Agourides, Elizabeth Felkner, Abigail Kitson, Melissa Leshchanka (potiphar's wife), Laura Murey (apache dancer), Mollie Rubinstein, Amy Slothower. male ensemble members include Stephen Blazejewski, Kiernan Matts. Children's chorus members include: Kaitlyn Bader, Matthew Blazejewski, Heather Dixon, Kaitlynn Ely, Vivek Fernandez, Cynthia George, Samantha Gougher, Kimberly Graham, Sally Graham, Ethan Hamilton, Simon Hamilton, Kavya Pochiraju, Caroline Purdy, Madeline Rohmeyer, Robin Slothower and Stephen Szemis. Tickets for "Joseph" are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $12 for students. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices upon request. For a listing of shows in Kelsey's summer series, visit the website. Directions to MCCC Return to Current News Return to Kelsey Website

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