American Idol Finalists Fedorov And DeGarmo To Star In Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma's 'JOSEPH' 7/21 - 7/25

Two American Idol finalists from past seasons reunite this summer to perform live on stage in the heart of America. Anthony Fedorov and Diana DeGarmo will star in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, part of the 2009 summer season of musicals produced by Lyric Theatre, Oklahoma's premiere regional theatre company. Fedorov, a finalist from Season 4, and DeGarmo, the runner-up from Season 3, will perform respectively as Joseph and the Narrator in Andrew Lloyd Webber's most cherished musical, playing from Tuesday, July 21st through Saturday, July 25th.

Lyric Theatre was founded in 1963 and has built a reputation for producing stellar Broadway quality musicals combining the best of national and local talent. Anthony Fedorov was the fourth place Idol finalist on the fourth season of the show, which was eventually won by Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood. Born in Ukraine, Fedorov was known on Idol as the contestant with the tracheotomy scar who overcame a near-fatal infant illness that almost left him without the ability to speak. Miraculously, Fedorov proved that diagnosis wrong and after his stint on Idol, he went on to star in the off-Broadway production of The Fantasticks and has also enjoyed a successful live performance and recording career.

After Fedorov accepted the leading role in Joseph..., Diana DeGarmo was approached about performing the role of the Narrator, the woman who weaves the story together and takes the audience along on Joseph's amazing journey. At age 16, Diana DeGarmo was one of the youngest finalists to first compete on the American Idol. Finishing second to Fantasia Barrino, she impressed the Idol judges with her mature vocal prowess and has since gone on to pursue a successful career in musical theatre. She performed in the Broadway production of Hairspray and starred in the national tour of Brooklyn: the Musical.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, based on the story of Joseph and his "coat of many colors" from the Bible's Book of Genesis, was written by the composing team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The piece began in 1968 as a fifteen-minute pop cantata commissioned by the Colet Court School in London. Webber and Rice developed the piece from there, using the success of their first rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar to create interest in Joseph. The piece reached Broadway in 1982 where it ran for 749 performances.

The favored son among eleven jealous brothers, Joseph is betrayed, sold into slavery, and taken far from his home into Egypt. Up against tremendous adversity, Joseph uses wit, faith, and his special gift of interpreting dreams in order to defy incredible odds. Families will treasure this timeless tale of love, loyalty, and courage set to a riveting score of music that includes powerful selections like "Any Dream Will Do", "Close Every Door" and "Go, Go, Go Joseph". Lyric is proud to offer this once-in-a-lifetime Broadway experience about a hero not afraid to follow his dreams and whose story will live on for all time.

Lyric's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will feature 80 children, ages 7 through 16, participating in "Camp Joseph," Lyric Academy's three-week musical theatre training program that culminates with performing in the show's Children's Chorus. These young thespians, together with professional supporting players in the roles of the Pharaoh, Joseph's father, his brothers, and their wives, make up a cast of over 100 people. Lyric Theatre continues the 2009 season by fulfilling its mission to nurture artistic talent by creating the opportunity for young, aspiring performers to learn from the best in the business.

Joseph... will be directed and choreographed by Gerry McIntyre, who has performed in the show on Broadway and is one of only three Americans in the Joseph... film starring Donny Osmond. Lyric's production will also feature music direction by Keith Levenson, costume design by Jeffrey Meek, set design by Amanda Foust, lighting design by Helena Kuukka, and sound design by George Ryan.

This production is sponsored by Chesapeake Energy Corporation, the Oklahoman, the Chickasaw Nation, SandRidge Energy, the National Endowment for the Arts, C.H. Guernsey & Co., and Susan Blake in memory of Alex Blake. Valuable support was also given by Allied Arts and the Oklahoma Arts Council.

Tickets to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat start at only $28. Show times are Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2:00pm. All performances take place at the Civic Center Music Hall, located at 201 N. Walker in downtown Oklahoma City. For more information regarding tickets and show times, visit www.LyricTheatreOKC.com or call (405) 524-9312.

Lyric's 2009 season then continues with productions of The Producers and Little Shop of Horrors. Call (405) 524-9312 for more information or visit www.LyricTheatreOKC.com.

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