LF_122718

LakeForestLeader.com Life & Arts
the lake forest leader | December 27, 2018 | 17
Citadel Theatre brings hit musical to LF
Alyssa Groh, Editor
“Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat” came
to life at Citadel Theatre and was
such a hit, the show extended its
run by adding five extra performances.
The show ran from Nov.
16 to Dec. 30 and had almost all
shows sell out.
Director Robert D. Estrin said
the cast was excited about the
show’s success and believes its
success was due in part to its attraction
across a variety of ages.
“I think one of the reasons it got
extended is it is a family-friendly
show,” Estrin said. “It appeals to
all age groups and I think that is
why it been so successful. Young
kids all the way through senior
citizens can enjoy it.”
The popular musical celebrated
50 years this year, so bringing
it to Lake Forest was a way to
celebrate the anniversary.
“Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat” written
by Tim Rice, details the story of
a boy named Joseph whose father
favors him over his brothers.
Joseph is given a colorful coat
by his father, which symbolizes
his fathers favoritism to him. It
becomes clear early on, from Joseph’s
dreams, that he is destined
to rule over his brothers. To stop
him from gaining power over
them, his brothers sell him as a
slave and he is taken to Egypt.
While in Egypt Joseph gains
power through his ability to interpret
dreams. Food is in abundance
in Egypt and back home,
Joseph’s brothers experience
famine. They travel to Egypt
to beg for food and bring their
brother back home.
Upon the brothers visit, Joseph
tries to get revenge on them, but
soon realizes the good in his
brothers. They all return home
and are reunited with their father.
Jacob Barton played the role
of Joseph and it was a role he
grew up dreaming to play.
“Joseph is a character I am
The cast of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” sings Benhamin Calypso during a performance at Citadel Theatre. Photos
Submitted
Joseph is surrounded by the cast during a song about his colorful
coat.
very familiar with,” Barton said.
“I have been singing the songs of
this musical for 10 years. It was
one of the first songs my voice
teacher gave me to learn.”
The musical was composed
of 28 cast members, which is a
large number for the small space
inside Citadel Theatre.
While working in the small
space was a challenge for this
musical, the cast believes it was
almost a blessing and was part of
the show’s success.
“The small space was never
really looked at like an obstacle,
it was more of a fun challenge
to solve,” said JP Thomas who
played Jacob and the pharaoh.
“In some ways when you work
The cast dances on stage during a musical number.
in certain constraints, it almost
makes things easier. I think the
entire team did a good job of
working in the intimate space.”
Barton agreed and said the
small space and the audience
being in close proximity to the
stage almost made it feel as if
they were part of the production.
Being so close to the audience
also helped the cast interact with
the audience more and get a feel
for the age group in the room.
To buy tickets to a remaining
show, visit www.citadeltheatre.
org.