Anthony Fedorov To Play Joseph In 5th Avenue Theatre's New Production Of The Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical

Casting of principals and the company of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was announced today. The role of Joseph, the young man with 11 troublesome brothers and a particularly splendid coat, will be played by Anthony Fedorov, who was a top four American Idol finalist in 2005.

With his soulful singing and sexy/nerdy good looks Fedorov quickly established himself as a fan favorite on the fourth edition of the hit Fox Television talent contest. His dynamic renditions of pop and rock ballads such as "If You Don't Know Me By Now" also garnered acclaim from the show's judges who compared him favorably to Clay Aiken.

Born in Yalta, Ukraine, Fedorov came to America at the age of nine and eventually settled with his family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. While still a toddler Fedorov had to undergo an emergency tracheotomy because of complications from a birth defect and doctors predicted he would lose all ability to speak. But after a miraculous recovery, Fedorov regained the use of his voice and developed a passion for singing. Throughout his teens he could be found shuttling between Pennsylvania and New York City, singing whenever and wherever he had the opportunity.

Following his success on American Idol the 24 year old singer has gone on to a variety of music, television, and Theatre Projects including being a celebrity judge on MTV's Little Talent Show and appearances on the Tonight Show, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, and The Tony Danza Show. He recently made his New York stage debut as Matt in the current Off-Broadway revival of The Fantasticks and earlier this summer he starred in Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, in what one reviewer called "a five star performance."

"Anthony made an indelible mark on Oklahoma City audiences with his honest, heartwarming portrayal of Joseph," says the Lyric's Executive Director Paula Stover. "The children in the Lyric Theatre cast loved him and the lines of fans waiting for autographs after the show were thrilled with the time he spent talking to each one of them."

Throughout its 40-year history this musical has enjoyed a long tradition of casting pop idols to play its titular hero including Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, Sean Cassidy, Michael Damian, Jon Secada and Andy Gibb to name only a few. The 5th Avenue's Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong recently commented that "in this modern rendition of the classic biblical story the character of Joseph is something of a pop star himself so it is only natural that pop idols have often been recruited to play him. Webber and Tim Rice first created this musical back in 1968 when they were both in their 20's, and they drew heavily on the popular music styles of the day. This inspired collaboration resulted in a remarkably infectious musical score that cries out for a leading performer who possess authentic pop/rock chops."

"Every young man who plays Joseph must also be incredibly charming, exude star quality, believably go from ‘innocent boy' to ‘ruler of Egypt,' and look great when dressed in only a loincloth," Armstrong added. "I know that Anthony will fulfill those requirements beautifully. And if every performance is filled with crowds of screaming fans it will only add to the show's delightful pop concert vibe."

For Fedorov the greatest pleasure in reprising the role is the extra time he'll have to explore the character. "I loved doing the show at the Lyric, but it was such a short run. We put in so much hard work for only six shows, and just when I felt I was starting to understand what I was doing, it was over. The chance to do it again so soon in a completely new and different production is tremendously exciting."

Tickets for Joseph, as well as season subscriptions to the 2009-2010 Season, are available over the phone by calling 206-625-1900/toll-free 888-5TH-4TIX (584-4849), in person at the box office at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, or online at www.5thavenue.org.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is Seattle's premier musical theater. In 1980, the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre began producing and presenting top-quality live musical theater for the cultural enrichment of the Northwest community. The 5th Avenue Theatre maintains a subscription audience of over 25,000 and an annual attendance of more than 287,000. It ranks among the nation's largest and most respected musical theater companies. The Theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatergoers through its Educational Outreach Program which includes: The Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company, The 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Student Matinee Program and Spotlight Nights. Unique in its Chinese-inspired design, the exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film. Today, under the leadership of Managing Director Marilynn Sheldon and Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong, The 5th Avenue Theatre continues to achieve the highest standards in all aspects of artistic endeavors and facility operations, while preserving its artistic, architectural and historic legacy. Visit www.5thavenue.org.

Photo credit Walter McBride

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