Redlands Bowl’s ‘Joseph’ shines with talent, tech and heart
This year’s summer musical, opening July 24, blends vivid costumes, high-energy choreography, and strong community ties into a joyful production for all ages.
Easy camaraderie both on and off stage is only one reason this year’s Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a joy to watch. Costumes, color, community and technology also make this the show not to be missed.
Steve Simons and Nathan Prince of Legendary Productions have once again assembled an ensemble of “wickedly talented” people for the summer show. Engaging and family-friendly, younger audience members will find the colors and costumes eye-catching and easy to follow, while more seasoned audiences will appreciate the message of hope and community the musical encompasses.
Joseph follows the Biblical story of Joseph, son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his brothers due to their jealousy of both a beautiful coat and their father’s love for Joseph. Joseph is jailed before being shown to be a prophet, and then rises in power in the kingdom in which he lives, ultimately forgiving his brothers.
“We talked about it for a while, and went through a list of titles and decided on Joseph because it’s bright, fun, colorful and had hope,” Prince said. It’s about coming together as a community, he added.
Christopher Daub, who plays Joseph, pours his heart into the role, making it hard to believe he didn’t actually live the story. As one of 14 actors invited for a callback for the role of Joseph, he felt that “everyone was in my corner.”
Katie Roche, the narrator, has entertained audiences on cruise ships for years. She is excited for her first bowl show, both for the talent she’s seen so far, and the people with whom she’s working.
Debbie Prutsman, who has been a mainstay in Bowl productions, taught and mentored Roche, and was the narrator 20 years ago when Joseph was the summer musical.
Prince and Simons relish the connections, both on and off stage. Daub’s son, eight-year-old Connor, is part of the ensemble, while Prince’s brothers play multiple roles. Jeremy, who has worked tech with Prince both at the bowl and at Legendary Productions, is an assistant director and Shane is one of the brothers. Other families have multiple members in the show, or helping out in other ways.
Roughly 40 actors take the stage, supported by about 20 crew members handling tech, costuming, choreography, and everything else needed to bring the show to life.
Bethann Prince and Brett Burke choreographed the non-stop dances, incorporating moves from the 1920’s, disco era, country music and more.
Tisha Entz and Serena Marquez oversaw and coordinated over 300 costumes and pieces worn by the actors, with no detail unnoticed. As the show opens, the brothers are dressed in drab clothes while Joseph stands out in his coat of many colors. To drive the point home, the brothers are allowed a pop of color by way of Converse shoes. The anachronistic style is intentional, said Prince. Animals add to the historical aspect, however, even if the cowboy boots and hats don’t quite match the time period.
Technology plays a role in this production as well, with fog machines, pixels and lights. “It’s going to be legendary,” Prince said. He is also excited for the live orchestra, a 15-piece ensemble led by Inland Empire conductor Nolan Livesay. The orchestra includes two guitars and three keyboards, a nod to the pop of the 1990s and the original run.
Musicals have been ingrained since young adulthood, said Livesay. He has been in the orchestra pit of Joseph, but this is the first time he’s conducted this particular show.
“It’s one of the most seamless shows we’ve put on,” said Simons. “There aren’t large backdrops or pieces of scenery we’re moving.”
Prince and Simon give full credit to all the people who have been part of the show. “I haven’t seen one ego,” Jeremy said.
“It really does take a team,” Prince said. “Thank you for choosing to be a part of it and stick with it.”
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27 at 8 p.m. Public dress rehearsal will be held Tuesday, July 22. The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival (25 Grant St, Redlands) is free and seating is first come first serve.
