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Overlook Theatre Company brings Broadway to Franklin

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“Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors.” Genesis 37:3

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” was first written by Tim Rice (of “Lion King” fame) and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera) in 1968 for an English preparatory school. It is a musical reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, his 11 brothers, and his coat of many colors. This weekend, July 19-20, is the last chance to see the show at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts starring local talent with the Overlook Theatre Company. 

Performers have been rehearsing for many weeks, and the show opened last weekend, July 12-13. 

ALL PHOTOS by Betsey Gooder

“This show is one of my all-time favorites,” said Scotty Corbin, general manager and artistic director of the center as well as founder of the 1996-established Overlook Theatre Company. He noted that the last time the show was performed at the center was in 2010. 

“The way it is written, it is open to so many interpretations,” he said. “We did this show over a decade ago, but it is a totally different production this time around. That’s what I love about it; you could see this show five different times and get five different experiences. But I’m certain, no one has ever seen a performance of Joseph like this one.”

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is conveyed entirely through song with the help of narrators. The musical follows Israel’s preferred son, Joseph, as is written in the Bible. 

The online description reads, “After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired, Pharaoh. This magical musical is full of catchy songs in a variety of styles and is appropriate for all audiences and groups.”

THE 11 BROTHERS.

“This is a spectacular cast that is working very hard,” added Corbin, who plays Pharoah. “It moves really fast, so the choreography and movement are like being shot out of a cannon. We press go and don’t stop until the show is over. Each piece of music has its own distinct style: country, rock, Caribbean, … The entire show is sung from start to finish. So, to sing and dance for an hour and a half straight while changing costumes and wigs is a blast. There are over 500 costume pieces created specifically for this show, and some characters have five or more costumes and some have just as many wigs. There is a lot to look at in this show! I promise nobody will be bored.”

Around 60 people make up the cast, from age 10 to senior adults. Some of the same cast members who performed in the show 14 years ago are in this show, according to Corbin. His wife, Nikki, plays one of the narrators, while Abigail Crabtree is another narrator. “They tell the story to the audience and connect the audience to the characters, and they have a lot of fun in the process.”

The production is being sponsored by Kelly Penland, listing specialist/broker at Bald Head Realty. “Joseph is the fourth show I’ve sponsored at Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. It’s a great value for the investment, as the center does a wonderful job of promoting my business with their advertising. I also love having the honor of supporting the arts in our community. The lives of our residents are enriched every day by having such a high-end arts venue in Franklin, and the youth and adults who participate in the Overlook Theatre Company shows are given an unusual opportunity to nurture their gifts on a professional stage. It’s incredible to see what talented folks we have in Macon County!”

Ticket information can be found at www.smokymountainarts.com.