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Running to Places Theatre Company (R2P) will present the family musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat February 25-27 at the Hangar Theatre – the first fully staged, non-Hangar production to take place since their major renovations were completed last year."It’s an honor for us," says R2P Co-Artistic Director and Producer Gail Belokur. "As a company we ‘run to places’ – meaning we hold rehearsals and performances at a variety of venues throughout the county. This is our first show to be performed at the Hangar, and the Hangar staff has also supported our central mission to mentor students in all areas of production."
R2P’s other Co-Artistic Director Joey Steinhagen agrees. “It’s so exciting! For years the Hangar has been the preeminent regional theatre in our area. And while they do wonderful work year-round, the building itself could never be used in the winter. Now it truly is a ‘Hangar for all seasons.’ It’s gorgeous, and we can’t wait to bring Joseph to that stage.”
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the second show of the R2P 2011 season, is the beloved musical by the legendary team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It tells the story from the book of Genesis of Joseph – adored by his father, resented by his brothers. He faces many hardships, but never loses the belief that his dreams can come true.
"We think that’s a wonderful message," says Steinhagen, who directs the show. "Our popular culture revels in cynicism right now. This is a show that is unapologetically optimistic and hopeful. And it’s a hoot, to boot!"
R2P’s production features a cast of roughly 40 of the county’s most talented and dynamic young performers. They sing and dance to the show’s many musical styles.
"Everything from 1950’s rock to country-western to French ballad to calypso music,” says returning R2P Music Director Mike Wade. “It’s all in there, and it’s as fun to listen to as it is for the cast to perform.” Wade has worked with R2P on several shows beginning with their first season in 2008. He adds, “It’s been great to see the kids grow and develop as performers and as people."
The team is rounded out by Todd Peterson (Resident Choreographer), Tyler Perry (Scenic and Lighting Design), Michelle Roy (Costume Design) and Jessie Jardon (Stage Manager).
The show is exclusively sponsored by Inn on Columbia.
"We’re so grateful to them for their support," says Steinhagen. "We’re a young nonprofit, and having wonderful businesses behind us helps us do the work we do."
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