MPAC to Host First-Ever In-House Production

To all our thespians between seven and 21 with dreams of performing in front of a lot of people ... how does 1,400 thrill you?

The Mayo Performing Arts Center is holding open auditions in February for its first-ever in-house production, a four-show run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Auditions begin Feb. 7. The show will run from May 31 through June 2. One of Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice's best-recognized productions, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is based on the "coat of many colors" story of Joseph from the Bible's Book of Genesis. It was the first Lloyd Webber and Rice musical to be performed publicly, in 1968.

Cathy Roy, education director for MPAC's Mayo Performing Arts School, said the theater's decision to produce its own show comes after seven years of the school program, which hosts about 200 students every week. "Now seems the right time to produce our own full-scale production," she said. "We have so many students involved. It's another step for them and for community members."

The tryouts will be open to anyone, regardless of whether or not they are a Mayo Performing Arts School student. The only restriction is that auditions only are for those between ages seven and 21. Plenty of those budding performers have a shot at the big stage, though. Roy anticipated a cast--complete with choir--of about 75.

“We are so excited to present our first ever in-house production,” said Allison Larena, president and CEO for the Mayo Performing Arts Center.  “The production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a wonderful way to bring the community together to celebrate the theater. This production is a culmination of a goal that dates back many years since we first launched our performing arts school in 2005. We look forward to hosting thousands from the surrounding area for this unforgettable production that marks a new milestone in our rich history.”

While Roy said students may have an advantage simply because they already are known by MPAC, "anybody can get a part.

"There are going to be four performances in our theater for a full audience, fully produced, with an eight-to-10-piece orchestra, in a 1,400-seat theater," she said. "It will be a great experience."

For more information about auditions and production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," click here.