Brian Hagberg
WARREN, Pa. – Warren County students got a sneak peek of this year’s All-County Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, during a pair of special performances at Warren Area High School Wednesday.
Not only were the students treated to an abbreviated show, but they were also given a peek behind the curtain as they were shown some of what goes into putting a production together.
“Just like any story that you read, what we’re doing up here (on stage) is telling you a story,” Jennifer Check, the musical’s director, said. “When it’s musical theatre we tell it through music.”
Periodically throughout the abbreviated version of the show, Check would come onstage and explain some of the storyline and how the cast and crew transitioned from one scene to the next. Check often made sure to point out how other students had contributed in some way.
“We had art club students design these,” Check said pointing to some of the props.
Though the primary performing roles were limited to high school students, there are students involved from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Check asked those in attendance who are part of the children’s choir to take their place on the stage.
With showing some of the “magic” behind the curtain, and ending the performance with a bit of a cliffhanger (students didn’t get to see what ultimately becomes of Joseph), the crew was able to accomplish multiple goals. One, to build excitement for the full show and two, to get the next generation of kids excited about participating in future All-County Musicals.
“It definitely sparks interest, I think, in the next generation of people that will participate in the All-County,” Elizabeth Koebley, who plays “The Narrator,” said.
An interview with some of the cast:
Wednesday’s performance wasn’t just about the audience. The cast finally got the opportunity to perform in front of people for the first time, at least to a certain degree. A welcome energy boost the day before Opening Night.
“Definitely fun to perform in front of an audience rather than an empty auditorium,” Koebley said. “It definitely livened up the cast I think.”
The cast also encouraged people of all ages to attend what they promise to be an energy-filled evening (or matinee).
“It’s all music, the whole show so it’s going to be energy all through,” Graham Carr (Asher) said.
Showtimes are at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with an additional 2 p.m. show Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the box office inside the WAHS auditorium lobby from 5 – 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from noon – 2 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m. on Saturday.
“Buy a ticket, it’s gonna be great,” Brady O’Donnell (Naphtali) said.
