Scottsdale Native Returns to Valley Stage in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
By Richard Schultz - Jan. 1, 2015
Scottsdale native Brian Golub plays Reuben, the oldest brother who leads the plot against the lead character, in the current national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
As one of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical chronicles the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors, this beloved musical is full of unforgettable songs including “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door.”
Golub will be joined by former American Idol contestants Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young – a husband-and-wife team that met when they shared the Broadway stage in the 2009 revival of Hair – who will portray the Narrator and Joseph at ASU Gammage Jan. 13-18.
Golub attended Horizon High School and graduated from Northern Arizona University before moving to New York 16 years ago and, he added, returning to the Valley is a perk for him.
“Touring is great fun,” he said. “I have been to so many cities and get to play tourist when there. The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. is one of my favorite venues [but] I grew up seeing shows at Gammage [and] this is my first time performing there. I have a long list of local family and friends coming to see the show.”
The production is directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler who won a Tony Award for In The Heights. Golub admitted he was apprehensive about an audition.
“When I originally saw the audition notice, I didn’t think I could dance in Andy’s style,” he said. “My agent got me an appointment and I was eventually got the role after a casting process of four to five weeks.”
Golub added that his initial concerns about the rigors of the director’s choreography were well founded.
“We are sore all the time,” he said. “Travelling every week to a new venue means getting accustomed to its stage floor. Your body reacts to each stage differently. The dancing part is very demanding, but the level of talent and camaraderie of this cast of 26 is incredible.”
Golub said he is also impressed by this new stage production, which features state-of-the art technology. The show features a more contemporary look by mixing sports apparel with period costumes.
“This is a high-tech production with concert-like lighting and projections on the sets and costumes,” he said. “The orchestrations are updated and does not include a children’s chorus, but features a new prologue for the opening. In essence, it’s Joseph for the 21st century.”
While the tour is running 14 months, Golub shared that the rehearsal period was brief.
“We had 23 days of rehearsals which is short for a new version of a musical,” he said. “Many tours are just remounting what was done on Broadway. This director is known for his dynamic style and fantastic choreography.”
Golub added that a highlight of the show for me is the musical number “One More Angel in Heaven” which includes tap dancing.
“The show blends so many different musicals styles that there is something for everyone in the audience,” he said. “This show’s family theme is universal and focuses on forgiveness.”
In 2010, Golub appeared in a supporting role in Disney’s “When In Rome” starring Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Angelica Houston and Danny Devito. Brian played Kristen Bell’s secretary “Chaz,” although she never called him by his name.
While Golub hopes to work more in film and television, he said he anxiously awaits the chance to make his Broadway debut, adding that, for him, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors would be a dream role.