Justin Guarini, Mamie Parris to Lead JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at the Muny

The Muny has announced today principal casting for the fifth show of its 94th season, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat (July 23-29), directed and choreographed by Lara Teeter. Joseph… is sponsored by Edward Jones.

Justin Guarini returns to The Muny to play Joseph, after his critically-acclaimed performance in Chicago. Joining him will be Broadway sensation Mamie Parris as the Narrator. TV and stage veteran Austin Miller will rock the house as Pharoah.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat features lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

“I’m exhilarated, excited and overwhelmed with joy to work with this remarkable cast,” said Director Lara Teeter. “For years now, I've been honored and privileged to perform at the largest outdoor theatre in the country and, more recently, watch my own children bound across the Muny stage underneath the stars and those glorious oak trees. Now I get to direct and choreograph and become a Muny storyteller. I'm in heaven.”

The Muny’s production features scenic design by Steve Gilliam, sound design by Jason Krueger, lighting design by Seth Jackson, and costume coordination by Robin McGee. Michael Horsley serves as the musical director, and the production stage manager is Nevin Hedley.

Justin Guarini (Joseph) returns to The Muny after starring as Billy Flynn in Chicago. He recently appeared in the ALLIANCE THEATRE's recent production of the new musical by Stephen King and John Mellencamp, Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, in the role of Drake McCandless. Since making his Broadway debut in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Justin has been seen in several major theatrical productions. His follow up to Women on the Verge… was the role of Will in the Tony® Award winning Broadway production of American Idiot, then playing Roger in the Surflight Theatre's production of Rent, and starring as Billy Flynn in Chicago at the Media Theatre in his hometown of Philadelphia. Since American Idol, Justin has completed two studio albums, including Justin Guarini (produced by RCA Records and Clive Davis), Stranger Things Have Happened, and is currently working on his third album. He also starred in the films From Justin to Kelly with Kelly Clarkson and Fast Girl with Mircea Monroe and Caroline Rhea.

Mamie Parris (Narrator) comes to The Muny direct from defying gravity nightly as Elphaba on the first national tour of Wicked. Other Broadway and national tour credits include: Dolly Parton's 9 To 5 (Judy) and Legally Blonde (both performed at the Fabulous Fox here in St. Louis), the recent Tony® nominated revival of Ragtime, five-time Tony® winner The Drowsy Chaperone, and Roundabout Theatre’s acclaimed revival of 110 In The Shade. Additional credits: the Drama Desk Award-winning new musical See Rock City & Other Destinations, presented off-Broadway by the The Transport Group (cast album coming soon!); Chicago at the Macau International Music Festival in Macau, China; two national tours with country music icon Kenny Rogers; and numerous regional roles, including Millie at Stages St. Louis. A native Texan, Mamie attended the Paseo Academy of the Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.

Austin Miller (Pharoah) is making his Muny debut. He is most recognized as “Hot Danny” from NBC’s Grease: You’re the One That I Want. TV Credits: Hawk on Days of Our Lives and more than 20 episodes of Mad TV. Tour Credits: Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street (Goodspeed Opera House, CT Critics Circle Best Actor in a Musical), Link Larkin in Hairspray (first national tour, Vegas), Michael in Smokey Joe’s Café, Kenickie in Grease and Victor/Victoria. Other stage highlights: Joseph in Joseph… (The Rep), Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees (Engeman Theater, NY), Sophisticated Ladies (Arena DC), Bud in Urban Cowboy (TUTS), Adam in Trip of Love (pre-Broadway run), Disney’s When You Wish (World Premiere), Rum Tum Tugger in Cats, Young Buddy in Follies, Anything Goes (Reprise LA) and The Music Man (Hollywood Bowl). Off-Broadway: GoGo Beach, The Jerusalam Syndrome, and Tully (In No Particular Order). Film: Puerto Vallarta Squeeze and America’s Sweetheart. Vocal Performance at Baylor University and a protégé of Patrcik Swayze’s mom, Patsy.

The Muny Box Office is now open from 9 am to 9 pm, seven days a week.

The remaining line-up is:

Dreamgirls July 16 - 22
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat July 23 - 29
Pirates! (or, Gilbert & Sullivan Plunder’d) July 30 - August 5
The King and I August 6 - 12

The Muny’s group sales office offers a 20% discount for groups of 20 or more, and is taking orders now. For more information or to make reservations, call (314) 361-1900, extension 308.

Single tickets are available at The Muny Box Office in Forest Park, online or by phone. For more information, call (314) 361-1900 or visit www.muny.org.

American Airlines is the official airline of The Muny.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.