NBFT's 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' opens Friday. Get all the details.

NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford Festival Theatre is set to premiere the hit musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” on Friday, July 21. Here's what you need to know about the musical, and why you should check out the intriguing Biblical story turned musical for all ages.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is a musical comedy with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The musical centers around Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, his brothers' envy of Joseph and their jealousy of Joseph's privileged status within the family.

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Why is the show important to see?

The musical recounts the story of Joseph and his brothers, chronicling his ascent from prisoner to ruler of Egypt and features themes of loyalty, jealousy and forgiveness. With an upbeat and often humorous score, the musical has entertained audiences since its Broadway debut in 1982.

“Joseph is a story of a dreamer. I think we all have dreams. I've definitely had some growing up,” said Lawrence Flowers who stars as Joseph. “But you get distracted by telling people your dreams and paying too much attention to their response, more than paying attention to the specifics of the dream and working to make those things come to pass.”

“It’s really a story about forgiveness, and redemption," said Elizabeth Bettencourt, the director of the production. "It's the ultimate summer musical. It's super fun, funny, silly, goofy and it has a lot of heart.”

The production is meant for all ages

Thirteen children participate in the musical's choirs and are who are present on the stage the entire time. The recommended age range for "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is 8+.

“It's just such a Sunday school story,” added Bettencourt.

The musical includes catchy music combined with bible stories, making it an entertaining show for all ages. It is considered kid friendly since there is no explicit content and the themes explored are mostly appropriate for children.

The running time is 90 minutes with one 10-minute intermission.

Who is starring in the show?

Back from playing The Scarecrow in "The Wiz" in May, Flowers takes on the iconic role of Joseph. Aside from five cast members, the rest of the cast are all NBFT alums with a majority of them having had roles in the previous four musicals produced by the company during their 2022-2023 season.

Jesse Luttrell (NBFT’s “Beauty and the Beast”) and Kelsey Seaman (NBFT’s “The Last Five Years”) star as the Pharaoh and as the Narrator, respectively.

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Joining them will be Joey Birchler (NBFT’s “White Christmas) as Reuben, LJ Brodie (Abilene Paramount Theatre “West Side Story”) as Judah, Richard Yarrell III (NBFT’s “The Wiz”) as Simeon, Rick Sherburne (Reagle Music Theatre “Anything Goes”) as Jacob, Peter-Henry DaSilva (NBFT’s The Best Of Times) as Potiphar and Carly Caviglia (National Tour “Legally Blonde”) as Mrs. Potiphar.

Who created this production?

New Bedford Festival Theatre is a performing arts theatre located in the historic downtown district of New Bedford. Each year it presents a full spectrum of theatrical productions, dance, film, literature and musical offerings from both local and nationally-recognized talent, according to Wendy Hall, executive producer.

This production will be Directed by Elizabeth Bettencourt, Music Direction by Steven Bergman, Choreography by Brooklyn Toli, Set Design by Trevor Elliott, Costume Design by Sydney Hawes, Lighting Design by Michael Wonson, Sound Design by Jason Choquette.

What are the ticket prices?

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" runs July 21 - 30, 2023 at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available from $39 - $65 and can be purchased online, by phone (508) 994-2900 or in person at the Zeiterion Box Office 684 Purchase Street New Bedford, MA 02740.

Guests can pick their seats, there is no dress code for the theatre nor does The Zeiterion require masks. There will be merchandise, drinks and food served before and during the production.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports.Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' opens in New Bedford