Sierra Rep to Present JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

Treat yourself to a burst of color this summer.

Join Sierra Repertory Theatre for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a joyful family musical filled with song, dance, humor and a warm message of faith and forgiveness.

Fun for all ages, Joseph plays at the Fallon House in Columbia from June 16 to July 30.

The show puts a lively spin on a beloved Bible story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. It's told in a fast-packed series of vignettes and a wild mix of musical styles that whip from country swing to rock ballad to Calypso and Parisian street song.

Sierra Rep is pleased to welcome, for the first time, guest director and choreographer Dann Dunn. "I am thrilled to be working with Sierra Repertory Theatre on this production! I've heard such incredible things from friends and colleagues that have worked at this theatre, and they've all had the same wonderful things to say in regard to the passionate work environment, friendly staff, and supportive audiences and community. Though it may be my first time with Sierra Repertory Theatre, I am no stranger to the show, as this will be my fifteenth production of Joseph, whether as a Director/ Choreographer or Performer!"

"Joseph is not only one of my favorite Andrew Lloyd Webber scores, but my favorite Broadway score. It's a beautiful story told through catchy music, through a non-stop sung and zany collection of every genre you can think of! Whether it be Country Western, 50's-60's inspired, Calypso, Jazz, or Rock, this show has got you covered! From start to finish, this high energy song and dance show will keep you wanting more, and I think we've assembled a great cast to deliver to the Sierra Rep audiences!"

Dunn has created and maintained professional award-winning works as Director/Choreographer, Associate Director and Dance Captain for productions around the world. He has worked on Broadway in New York City, on National and International tours and for regional theaters around the country; he has also worked in television. Awards and recognitions include an Emmy for the PA Cardiovascular Health project, BroadwayWorld Award, Barny Award and the DC Metro Arts Award, among others. In 2015, he was nominated for the Philadelphia Barrymore Award for "Outstanding Choreography/Movement." He is currently on faculty at the University of the Arts and is the Co-Artistic Director for Music Theatre Philly.

An international sensation, Joseph was the first musical collaboration of legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. They originally created it for a London boys' choir, then adapted it as a full stage production that has been wowing audiences and critics for more than four decades.

To bring this legendary music to life, SRT is pleased to welcome back Sarah Wussow as Musical Director for Joseph. "I am so extremely excited to be coming back to SRT to work on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I am looking forward to collaborating with director Dann Dunn and help see his vision come to life on stage. I love the story, I love the characters, and of course, I love the music!"

Ms. Wussow grew up in a musical family in northeast Wisconsin and began piano lessons at age six. She earned a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a masters in choral music education from Bowling Green State University. She taught middle and high school choir for five years before heading to California to pursue music directing.

"I was accepted as a music directing intern at PCPA. For the past five years I've been a completely freelance music director, working at various theatres across the country. A few favorites have been The Drowsy Chaperone at SRT, Pine Mountain Lodge and Musical of Musicals, The Musical! at OCT, and Pippin and Into The Woods at Thin Air Theatre, CO. I just finished playing keyboard for Mamma Mia! in Chicago which was a lot of fun!"

Joseph was a sell-out smash for Sierra Rep the two previous times it was produced, in 2000 and 2006 and the theater is pleased to bring it back with a fresh creative team.

for the first time at SRT and starring in the title role is New York actor Schyler Conaway. "I am so excited to bring the role of Joseph to life at SRT, a role I have loved since seeing the national touring company back in the late 90's." He toured the world as Sky in the Broadway mega-musical Mamma Mia! Other favorite credits include Spring Awakening (BroadwayWorld Philadelphia Award Winner for Best Actor in a Musical), Les Misérables, South Pacific, Shrek and Happy Days: The Musical. Conaway earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Shenandoah Conservatory.

As The Narrator, a pivotal role that takes tremendous vocal power we are excited to welcome back SRT favorite, Elizabeth McMonagle (The Robber Bridegroom, The Spitfire Grill, Putnam County Spelling Bee). She will guide the audience through Joseph's story - the favored son who gets sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, thrown into prison and then through his gift for interpreting dreams, rises to be a powerful advisor to the Egyptian king.

Joseph has 11 brothers, all multi-talented actors/singers with several who have been on our stages previously as well as many who will be making their SRT debuts.

Other roles cast just before publication are Greg Pragel as Jacob/Potiphar, Ariel Daly as Mrs. Potiphar and Syndi Abenido and Abbey Williams-Campbell as Ensemble.

Other guest artists include Scenic Designer Rand Enlow (The Full Monty, The Marvelous Wonderettes), who is creating the colorful set with an Egyptian flare, stage manager Joanna Hobbs (State Fair) and assistant stage manager Jerry Lee (The Drowsy Chaperone, State Fair). Making her SRT debut will be guest costume designer, Michelle Kincaid, creating the quick-change costumes that blend a Middle East flavor with rock 'n roll, cowboy, Calypso and more.

Also on the production team are SRT's professional staff members including lighting designer Mike Sali and property designer Matt Sweetland.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, rated G, opens June 16 and plays through July 30 at the Fallon House Theatre in Columbia State Historic Park. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 2 pm, Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7 pm, Thursday performances begin at either 2 or 7 pm. For reservations and information, call the SRT box office at 209-532-3120, e-mail: tickets@sierrarep.org or visit the SRT website at www.sierrarep.org.

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