Interview: Daniel C. Levine of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at Ridgefield Playhouse

On Thursday, February 1, I had the pleasure of speaking with Daniel C. Levine, the director of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, a special production scheduled to run at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Saturday, February 24 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 P.M., and Sunday, February 25, at 2:00 PM.

The Ridgefield Playhouse, well- known for its Rock & Roll series, has found success in its Broadway & Cabaret Series in part thanks to Daniel C. Levine's concert productions of "The Who's Tommy," and "Jesus Christ Superstar." This production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is being produced by ACT of Connecticut (A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut), a brand new professional theatre which opens in Ridgefield this June, with its first show "Mamma Mia!" Daniel C. Levine serves as the artistic director.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is an entirely sung through musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and with lyrics by Tim Rice. Twenty Broadway actors, thirty-six local children, and four local adults comprise the cast. The cast will be accompanied by a band of eight NYC musicians, conducted by Bryan Perri, the current music director of "Wicked" on Broadway.

"This is one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most memorable scores," Levine says, "and our twenty-person all-star company have appeared in over thirty Broadway shows collectively. Put them together with our local talent and our thirty-six local kids ensemble and watch out!"

The score showcases numerous musical "styles" and includes rock n' roll, country, pop- rock, and Caribbean elements. The storyline is a musical adaptation of the Biblical tale of Joseph, son of Jacob, found in the book of Genesis. This uplifting story is one of redemption and forgiveness and demonstrates the power to overcome even the most severe obstacles, regardless of one's situations in life.

Cast members include Christine Dwyer as the Narrator (who starred as Elphaba in Broadway's "Wicked"), Hunter Ryan Herdlicka as Joseph (Broadway's "A Little Night Music"), and Matt Bogart as Pharaoh (Broadway's "Jersey Boys"). The show will also feature Ridgefield's very own Ira Joe Fisher as Jacob.

You can get your tickets for what promises to be an exciting show at https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org or by calling 203-438-5795.

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