BU Theatre to Present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Bluefield University Theatre is gearing up for its highly anticipated production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” set to take the stage October 17-20.
This exciting show is being presented as part of the university’s Homecoming Weekend and promises to deliver an engaging mix of vibrant performances, dynamic choreography, and a beloved Biblical tale. Charles Reese, director of the production, shared the inspiration behind selecting the musical for this season.
“It was a matter of having the right people, the right place, and the right time,” Reese said. “We’ve talked about doing it forever because it’s a Biblical theme show and it fits with the campus very well. We just have never had the dancers and musicians in place to do it until now. This production is also officially part of the Bluefield Youth and Community Theater, which adds to its special nature.”
The cast is a diverse mix of talent, ranging in age from 7 to 27, with several actors coming up through Bluefield’s own Youth Theater program. Leading the cast is Finn Smith, who takes on the role of Joseph. Smith is no stranger to the stage, having previously performed in BU’s “A Christmas Story” and “Shrek” as a core member of the Youth Theater program.
Elei Haynes, a sophomore theater major at Bluefield University, will step into the role of the narrator, who remains on stage throughout the performance. Rounding out the main cast is Miles Muniquea as the Pharaoh, a figure that plays a pivotal role in Joseph’s journey. In addition, BU theatre graduate General Smith returns to the stage in the performance, along with several other alumni who will be participating. Reese said the ensemble is crucial to the show’s success.
“We have a cast of about 35 people,” he said, “and they all bring something unique to the production.”
Preparations for the show have been intense, especially with dance being such a central aspect.
“Last week was a dance boot camp,” said Rebecca McCoy-Reese, assistant director of the production. “They rehearsed from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., getting the choreography just right.”
Set to lively music and high-energy numbers, the cast is working hard to perfect both their singing and dancing. As for the challenges in preparing for such a large-scale show, Reese acknowledged the technical demands, particularly when it comes to sound.
“We have 16 mics for a 35-member cast,” he said. “It might be a microphone nightmare, but we will overcome it.”
Despite these hurdles, the overall process has been smooth with the cast and crew having fun along the way.
“It’s such a fun show, and all the kids are having a good time,” Reese added.
The set and costume designs promise to captivate audiences, as well.
“It’s a dance show, which means we must have space,” Reese noted. “We’re building the pyramids of Egypt and a giant Sphinx, but it can all come apart and move off stage. The costumes also need to be suitable for dancing, so we’re making sure they are both functional and memorable.”
The themes of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” remain timeless, and Reese hopes that audiences will connect with its messages.
“It’s a Biblical story, but it’s about letting God use you wherever you are and trusting that everything will work out,” he said. Beyond the story, the cast embodies a sense of community and family, which is evident both on and off the stage.
“We support the ensemble, and even if you are the star, you’re not going to shine as bright without the rest of the cast,” McCoy-Reese added.
With its themes of resilience, community, and faith, Bluefield University’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is set to be a memorable and uplifting experience for all who attend. Performances will take place on:
Thursday, October 17, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 18, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 19, 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 19, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 20, 3:00 p.m.
For additional resources, showtimes, audition times, and general updates, follow the new social media pages for Bluefield Youth and Community Theater: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.