Dreamcoat Director Dawn Oesch Makes ‘Joseph’ a Family Affair
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Home Made Theater (HMT) will be closing out its 33rd year by presenting presenting a powerhouse – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – a shining product from the crack collaborative combo of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber at their finest – for eight showings. Opening night is Saturday, April 21 (full schedule and details at end). But that’s not the biggest reason to go.
This is: “‘Joseph’ is my favorite. I heard the soundtrack to it many years ago and was instantly hooked.” So states Director Dawn Oesch, who has compiled enough credentials (and you can’t say credentials without ‘cred’!) both on stage and as director of a myriad productions to be regarded as a discerning local authority on live performances. In other words, when Dawn is excited, you should be too.
I asked her what made ‘Joseph’ so prominent in her esteem and what this production is promising to bring to local theater fans:
“To begin with,” Dawn said,” I have 24 kids and 24 adults in this show. This is something HMT hasn’t done! I love a challenge and I can’t wait for people to see all the hard work this cast/crew has done. This show isn’t only for families it’s also BY families.”
Indeed, local families are cornerstones of this production’s roster. Dawn herself has two nephews and a niece (Noah, Elijah and Olivia Oesch) in the cast. But it goes further. Much further. “You have the Jones family. Mom Deborah Otto-Jones, Dad Richard Jones, and two (Ethan and Matthew) of their sons.” Dawn listed. “On stage we have Esther Rosanna Rabinovich and her daughter Isabelle Morales; A Mom and daughter backstage duo- Crew Stage manager Emma Furhmeister + Anne Marie Baker. And of course, our husband and wife choreographers- Dianne Lathrupp and Johnny Martinez.”
So, a big, big family affair is certainly enough to get Dawn enthusiastic. But combined with a vehicle that obviously holds a dear place in her heart – well, let’s just say she’s jazzed up folks…
“I love that Joseph is for everyone not just theater people. There is rock, pop, calypso, ballads and even an Elvis type shows up!” She noted. “The narrator tells the story of Joseph and his coat to the audience and the 24 kids that stay on stage the entire time. The show is from their point of view.
“The show is sung through the entire time so be prepared for lots of songs and dance. I get excited every time I hear “Any Dream Will Do” starting up. But you can’t forget the drama… everyone needs some drama!” She says. ” I think what resonates with this show is that even though there are funny moments and jealousy issues at the heart of it, it’s a life lesson. Joseph learns throughout the years to become humble, loving, and genuine.”
When you have this many motivated people combining forces with an experienced ultra-motivated director – that’s the signal that you should be getting your tickets today.
“One of my favorite lines in the show, Dawn concludes, “is “IF you think it, want it, dream it then it’s real.”
“My dream is coming true, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
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- Joseph @ HMT: The 411:
LOCATION: The Spa Little Theater, Saratoga Spa State Park
DATES/TIMES: Fridays + Saturdays April 21, 27, 28 + May 4, 5 at 7:30 pm
Sundays, April 22, 29 + May 6 at 2 pm
PRICES: Tickets are $29 and $26, with discounts available for seniors and students. For this production students 18 and under may attend a Friday night performance for $20.
An optional dinner package is available for $25 plus tax and gratuity with Pennell’s Restaurant. Dinner is prior to the evening performances and immediately following matinees.
TICKET
RESERVATIONS: For reservations or for information (518) 587-4427 or go to HMT’s Website.
Arthur Gonick
April 13, 2018
