The Scarborough Village Theatre invites community members on a transcendent biblical tale of love, perseverance and family as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat makes its way to the stage.
Starting Nov. 3, the iconic play features a faithful adaptation of the tale of Joseph, son of Jacob. Born the 11th and most favoured son, Joseph was thrown into a well and sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Despite all odds, he defeated a life of imprisonment and became one of the most powerful men in Egypt.
Director of the play, Mario D’Alimonte has years of experience in directing different versions of the play. As a teacher, he directed a production with small school children and then moved on to a larger production at the George Weston Recital Hall, seating over 1,500 guests. Now, D’Alimonte is ready to host a more intimate production and sought the Scarborough Village Theatre as the perfect venue.
It’s a huge crowd pleaser
— Mario D’Alimonte
Not only is the venue an ideal location for the play, but D’Alimonte says the Scarborough community in particular is more than eager to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat hit the stage.
“It’s a huge crowd pleaser, as is evidenced by the fact that this is the fastest selling show in the history of Scarborough Music Theatre,” D’Alimonte said.
Todd Appleton, dentist by day and performer by night, is playing Joseph in the play. After getting a taste of community theatre seven years ago, he admits he’s hooked to the spotlight. For him, the play offers a sense of nostalgia.
“I remember my grade seven music teacher introducing the class to the music of Joseph,” Appleton said.
“He taught us the score and I really loved the music. Soon after, my parents took me to see an original touring production of Joseph at the O’Keefe Centre in Toronto. Years later, Donny Osmond’s revamped version of Joseph played in Toronto and I saw it twice,” he said.
“Needless to say, playing Joseph has been a dream of mine for some time and I’m very excited,” he added.
D’Alimonte says some critics have not been so receptive to versions of the play, with some even calling the production “a piece of theatrical bubblegum.” D’Alimonte has a response for those harsh critics.
“Who among us doesn’t enjoy a tasty piece of gum every now and then?”
According to D’Alimonte, the play promises to present guests with a feast for their eyes and ears as they sit back, relax and take a musical journey to the past.
He says the production is “one of the great stories of the ages” and believes the tale can resonate with all guests, regardless of their faith.
“It’s a story about family struggles, family tensions and family relationships. These are themes with which everyone can relate,” he said.
The cast, which includes 26 adults and 18 children, has been preparing for the November shows since early September.
But for Appleton, this isn’t the first time he’s hit the Scarborough Music Theatre (SMT) stage . Earlier this year, he performed in The Full Monty.
“[In The Full Monty] I had to strip down on stage into my underwear. In Joseph, I spend quite a bit of time in just a loincloth,” he said.
“I must be getting comfortable being on the SMT stage in little clothing!,” he joked.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will hit the Scarborough Village Theatre stage from Nov. 3-19. Although tickets are now sold out, rush tickets may be available prior to each performance.
For more information, call 416-267-9292.
