Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Theatre By the Sea!

Matunuck -- Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's 1973 classic Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat have finally come to Theatre By the Sea! 

Director and Choreographer Richard Sabellico has also put a new spin on the show by having the actors pretend to be a part of a travelling performance troop in 1967 that is putting on a performance of Joseph. The show therefore uses minimalist sets and period (late 1960s) clothing as costumes, including bell bottoms, overalls, and peasant skirts. It is therefore the cast's enthusiasm and energy that brings this well-known show to life.

Luke Steinhauer as Joseph (center) and Marie Eife as the Narrator (top)

Luke Steinhauer's Joseph is filled with hope and optimism, while Marie Eife plays a warm, inviting Narrator who walks the audience through this biblical tale. Audiences may remember Eife from Theatre By the Sea's Beauty and the Beast.

Michael Williams plays a fun and the Pharaoh with the classic Elvis twist. But instead of the typical, flashy, white-jumpsuit seen in many other productions of Joseph, we get the a Jailhouse Rock look that audiences will love.

Michael Williams as the Pharaoh

Theatre By the Sea veteran and audience favorite Tom Gleadow returns to play not one, not two, but three roles in this show, and every one of them is a winner. Comedic timing comes easily to Gleadow, and he is pure delight in this production.

 Tom Gleadow as Jacob

Many members of Mamma Mia!'s hard-working cast are back as Joseph's brothers, including Bryan Dougherty (Levi), Fabian-Joubert Gallmeister (Dan), Maverick Hiu (Asher), Derek Hoyden (Zebulun), and Marty Lauter (Benjamin), while Melissa Jones, who plays Mrs. Potiphar, also returns to the Theatre By the Sea stage from Mamma Mia! 

The cast as Joseph's 11 brothers during "Those Canaan Days"

Dougherty stands out for his performance in "One More Angel in Heaven" which is sure to be an audience favorite. New to the barn's stage is Elijah Emmit Curry, making his Theatre by the Sea debut as Joseph's brother Naphtali. With his strong, lyrical voice, his performance during "Benjamin Calypso" is a highlight of the show. Audiences are also sure to enjoy the ensemble's performances of "Those Canaan Days" and "One More Angel in Heaven."

Ensemble performing "One More Angel in Heaven"

Owner and producer Bill Hanney announced on opening night that next season will open with Love and Fables, an entirely new show that the theater has been working on for the past two or three years. Hanney is hoping to one day bring the show to Broadway. Next season will also bring Singin' in the Rain, Newsies, and Saturday Night Fever to the historic barn theater.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be playing at Theatre By the Sea Tuesdays through Sundays through August 12; showtimes vary. Tickets are $49 to $75 and can be purchased in person or by phone at the box office (401-782-8587) or by visiting their website www.theatrebythesea.com.









Photos by Steven Richardson Photography