Palm Canyon Theatre to Perform 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'

From Palm Canyon Theatre: The Palm Canyon Theatre is bringing an Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice favorite to the stage, as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs January 20-February 5 at the Palm Springs Theatre, which is celebrating its 20th season.

Originally written and produced as a 15-minute cantata for a preparatory school in 1968, this was the first Webber and Rice musical performed publicly. The story is based on the Biblical tale of Joseph and his “coat of many colors” from the Book of Genesis.

Known as a “Rock Oratorio,” the work features a primarily sung-through libretto, with very little dialogue, which keeps the action-packed stage show moving briskly at under two hours. The action is punctuated by The Narrator, portrayed by Julie Rosser Balbini. Balbini brings a dynamic stage presence and award-winning vocals. She has performed at PCT in Cats as Grizabella; The Addams Family as Alice; The Who’s Tommy as Mrs. Walker and many others. Balbini was the Grand Prize winner at the McCallum’s Open Call in 2010.

Balbini will be joined by Scott Clinkscales, who plays the prodigal son, Joseph. Clinkscales is an award-winning actor who has had featured roles in several PCT productions including John Truitt in Meet Me In St Louis and Abraham in Altar Boyz. Joseph meets the ire of his eleven diabolical brothers, who are jealous of him and his coat of many colors, a symbol of their father’s preference for him. It is clear from Joseph’s dreams that he is destined to rule over them. To prevent his dreams from coming true, the brothers sell Joseph as a slave. But, as the Biblical story goes, neither Joseph (nor his brothers) can escape divine fate. The show features an angelic children’s choir, a bevy of nutty characters, high-energy dancers, a hip-swiveling “King,” and, of course, the “coat of many colors” created by award-winning costume designer Derik Shopinski.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is directed by Charles Harvey. The multi-award winning actor, director and producer has worked at multiple stages across the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin over the past thirty years. Steven Smith is the production’s musical director. With sets and lighting design by J.W. Layne, co-artistic director of PCT.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is part of the Palm Canyon Theatre’s 20th Anniversary Season. The musical opens Friday, January 20, and runs through Sunday, February 5. Regular show times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Sundaymatinees start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $32-$36. Student tickets are $15, with valid ID; student tickets must be purchased at the Box Office.

For tickets or more information, call the Palm Canyon Theatre Box Office at 760-323-5123 or order online: PalmCanyonTheatre.org. The Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, at the corner of Alejo Road and Palm Canyon Drive. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Image via Palm Canyon Theatre