Sturgis Civic Players to present ”Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” musical later this month

The cast and crew of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” are putting the final touches on the musical that takes place on Friday and Saturday, November 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 22 at 2 p.m. at the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. The show, presented by the Sturgis Civic Players, is a sung-through musical narrated by Loren Corbin and Elizabeth Whitehead, both of Sturgis. 

The popular musical retells the biblical story in Genesis of a favored son, Joseph, (Aaron Miller, of Sturgis) who is given a multi-colored coat by his father, Jacob (Kurt Kuhlmann, of Colon). His jealous brothers sell him into slavery and he ends up working for a rich noble named Potiphar (Ben Fries, of Constantine). After even more drama, he is thrown into prison, but it is through a superpower of interpreting dreams of the Pharaoh (Jason Halling, of Sturgis), that he ends up second in command in Egypt. Eventually, he is joyfully reunited with his family.

Co-directed by Michele Kelley, of Sturgis, and Mary Sutter, of White Pigeon, the cast members have been rehearsing the songs and dance routines since late August. Loren Corbin and Emily Halling, both of Sturgis, are co-directing the music and vocals and Elizabeth Smith, of Sturgis, is the lead choreographer for the show which includes dance routines for 14 songs. Designer, Stacey Richardson, of Sturgis, is keeping the cast in costume, dressing up the different characters. Ileona Geroux, of Sturgis, is the producer and backstage manager who keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” has been a favorite musical of mine for a very long time,” said Michele Kelley, co-director.  “I am very happy to have the opportunity to direct it. I love that our production tells the tale of Joseph using various fun genres of music while incorporating a few contemporary, lighthearted features. I have to thank my production team and the amazing cast. I have been very blessed to be able to draw on so many talented people throughout this whole process.”

Joseph’s “coat of many colors,” was made available for the show by Pete Bennett of Three Rivers. It was created by his wife, the late Marcy Bennett, whose theatrical journey involved 72 productions, including 29 as director.

Tickets are $15 for both children and adults and can be purchased by visiting: Sturgisboxoffice.com. Children ages two years and under are free with adults in same seat.

The music for “Joseph, the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” is by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The show is presented by Concord Theatricals on behalf of L.W. Entertainment. 

Information About the Lead Characters: “Joseph the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

Aaron Miller (Joseph) is widely known for his role as a former Michigan state representative. He is a trust officer at Sturgis Bank, who currently serves as a Sturgis city commissioner. Aaron and his wife, Alex, live in Sturgis with their four daughters and love outdoor adventures.  Their three oldest are in the choir. Aaron’s previous show was none other than Joseph and the “Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Sturges-Young in 1996.  He was eight-years old then and was in the children’s choir.  His father, Scott, was on stage as Joseph.

Kurt Kuhlmann (Jacob) is the pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burr Oak and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Colon. He is also a circuit visitor for the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. He is no stranger to the Sturgis Civic Players — in a previous production of Joseph, he played the Baker, and in another, he and his wife, RuthAnn, worked on props. Joseph has become something of a family affair for the Kuhlmanns, as their daughter has also been in the show, and Ruth Ann is once again creating props for this production.  Kurt has been active in the Burr Oak community for many years including over 20 years with the Burr Oak Chamber of Commerce, helping with events including Burr Oak Heritage Days. Fun Fact: Kurt’s first date with his wife, Ruth Anne, was going to see Joseph in Detroit, starring Donny Osmond.

Ben Fries (Potiphar) is dean of career and applied sciences, at Glen Oaks Community College. This is Ben’s first theatrical role since performing in high school shows: “You’re a good Man Charlie Brown,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” He and his wife, Cara, have two daughters. In his spare time he enjoys collecting autographs, the Detroit Tigers, Broadway shows, and most importantly being with his family. He is a member of the St. Joseph County ISD Board and a member of the New Apostolic Church. 

Jason Halling (Pharaoh) is president of Burr Oak Tool Inc. He and his wife, Emily, (also in the show), have six children (Hannah is in the show too). Jason enjoys spending time with his family, is an avid sports fan, and loves outdoor activities like backpacking, camping, and hiking. This is Jason’s first theatrical performance. In the community, Jason serves on the Board of Sturgis Bank & Trust and is a board member of the Sturgis Economic Development Corporation, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and Local Development Finance Authority. He also is currently the bishop of the Sturgis congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.