Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Press Release

VICTORIA, BC: The Canadian College of Performing Arts presents a fresh take on Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat April 21-29 2023.

This beloved musical marks CCPA’s return to the McPherson Playhouse after a 4-year COVID hiatus. Directed by CCPA’s Managing Artistic Director, Caleb Marshall, with choreography by Jessica Hickman, and music direction by Jeff Poynter, this musical dreamscape of comedy and adventure is also a perfect way to welcome families back to the theatre. The story follows Joseph, the favourite son blessed with prophetic dreams, who is gifted a beautiful multi-coloured coat, sparking the jealousy of his siblings and a remarkable fourteen-year journey.

“Joseph forged a path for the modern rock and roll musical, imbuing musical styles from almost every decade of the 20th century, all enveloped into a unique quilt of theatricality,” says Marshall. “Audiences will be thrilled by the versatility,” that ranges from country-western (One More Angel In Heaven,) to French chanson (Canaan Days) to 1950s and 60s rock n’ roll. “Including,” continued Marshall, “fan favourites like Go Go Go Joseph and Any Dream Will Do.”

In addition to memorable songs, amazing harmonies and exhilarating dance numbers the production promises a fresh take full of surprises for audiences who are familiar with the show. “This show helped reinvent the modern musical, and we are reinventing it once again” says director Marshall. The score for Joseph not only exposes CCPA’s students and audience to an array of musical styles, it’s also flexible in supporting various vocal ranges allowing for casting of any gender. “It was essential that we not only take this predominantly male show and make it accessible to all our students but also that we take an approach that would be sensitive to avoiding cultural appropriation.” To address this, the production layered in the convention of a self-aware show, “a show that knows it is a show – we’re not trying to create an authentic representation of a biblical era,” says Marshall. “This notion of putting on a show also allows us to lean into all the theatrical potential inherent in the different styles, offer the audience consistent ‘eye-candy’ to delight and augment the show’s irreverent and sometimes anarchistic humour by ‘drawing back the curtain’ on theatre itself.”

This year’s return is about offering the audience and students every opportunity possible. CCPA would like to acknowledge their lead sponsor, NKPG Services Ltd, who are generously hosting a student matinee, providing local students with the opportunity to once again enjoy the magic of live theatre by offering over 500 tickets to public schools.

As an institution dedicated to education and artistic excellence, the Canadian College of Performing Arts is excited to take this commitment to fostering student development even further this year by forming an education centered live orchestra under the guidance of Music Director Jeff Poynter. The 13-member orchestra draws exceptional music students from the University of Victoria and the Victoria Conservatory of Music, supported by a few professional mentors. The entire production, both onstage and in the orchestra pit will be realized by promising emerging artists under the guidance of professionals. Together they all plan on pulling out every bit of theatrical trickery, awe, and wonder the show has to offer.

What: Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Who: The Canadian College of Performing Arts’ Year I & II Students

When: Friday, April 21 7:30PM, Saturday, April 22 2:00PM & 7:30PM, Sunday, April 23 2:00PM, Thursday, April 27 7:30PM, Friday, April 28 7:30PM, Saturday, April 29 2:00PM & 7:30PM.

Where: The McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC.

Tickets: $50.00 for Adults / $45.00 for Seniors / $40.00 for Under 30. 

Available for purchase at  rmts.bc.ca/production-detail-pages/2023-mcpherson-playhouse/joseph-and-the-technicolor-dreamcoat/