While I was sitting in the Michael J. Fox Theatre watching a tale full of sex scandals, power, and money, I was kicking myself for not bringing a date to such a steamy show.
Featuring an experienced cast and a live band that has played with David Bowie and Aerosmith, a thrilling production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is set to debut. Footlight Theatre, thecommunity theatre group behind this production, have many past and present Capilano students involved in a variety of roles. This classic musical has stood the test of time, and it's the first time the copyrights have been available to smaller production companies. The calibre of talent this musical has to offer must be experienced.
The story of Joseph is about a favoured son and his jealous brothers. After being given a special coat, the brothers' jealousy erupts and the young man is sold to Egypt. With issues such as adultery, loneliness and jealousy, this ancient story remains as relevent today as it was when it was written.
Lalainia Lindbjerg Strelau, a director that read the origial version to her actors, fell in love with the musical long ago. When asked about the Capilano students' performing ability, Lalaiana showered both the students and teachers with praise. Alison Wright, the Assistant Choreographer and past Capilano student, added that “Capilano's Public Speaking course has helped a great deal with dealing with the crowds of young actors she has had to teach”.
The star of the show, Danny Blakewell, explained that the beauty of Joseph is that there is something for everyone to love. Whether it's the calypso rhythms or the beautiful solos, young and old alike will all be singing along with this positively infectious musical. “Joseph. . .makes you appreciate what you have when you have it”. Danny also added, “there is no better way of learning than seeing as much as you can, as this will allow you to distinguish between the good and the bad”.
Since Footlight Theatre does not tour like a major production company, the operating budget is lower, causing the group to find other ways around problems. Danny Blakewell said, “In this community theatre, problems are solved with creativity instead of money”. The one thing money can buy is bigger space, and now that Footlight has moved to the Michael J. Fox theatre, the actors can now spread their wings on a real stage. Having room for props and actors is always an issue, and the 600 seat facility is the perfect venue for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. As the Footlight moto for 2009 says: Go big or go home!
The Michael J. Fox Theatre is located at 7373 MacPherson Ave. in Burnaby, right by the Royal Oak Skytrain staion. Evening shows start November 6th and run to the 14th . There is also a matinee on Sunday the 8th at 2:00pm. Evening shows start at 7:30. The ticket price ranges from $24 to $32 and is a steal for the funnest show you will see this year. For more information visit www.footlight.ca www.ticketstonight.ca
//Andrew Kirkpatrick
Writer
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