After being delayed by snow and ice, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler, opened at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s (TPAC) Andrew Jackson Hall February 19.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is a show that remains ever relevant and popular with theatre-goers. The reason why is simple: it tells the enduring story of the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son, set to an irresistible blend of pop, country and rock music. JOSEPH was, notably, also the first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber (Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Cats) and lyricist Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King).

This revival of the show is also notable in that it stars alumni of American Idol and award-winning stage actors Diana DeGarmo (Narrator) and Ace Young (Joseph). “We are honored to have American Idol alumni and Broadway stars Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young starring in this wonderful family production. It’s a special treat since the married couple will be performing the show to their own city as they recently moved to Nashville,” says Kathleen O’Brien, TPAC president and chief executive officer. “TPAC is also a proud investor in the tour of the show, which we love because of the uplifting message and the amazing cast.”

Cast member Brian Golub, who plays Reuben, Joseph’s oldest brother, took some time away from the tour to answer a few questions about the show and what it means for O&AN.

How did you develop an interest in theater?

I have been doing theatre as far back as I can remember. I did it in elementary school … my first lead performance as Wilber in Charlotte’s Web! It was Award winning, I tell you [haha]. Oh it was funny, but then I did my first professional job at eleven, playing Oliver in Oliver, and I was hooked! The lights, the applause, the fun!  My family is all musical, and so I think it is in my genes to perform!

Do you have a history with the Joseph musical, or the Joseph story, that makes your role in this production particularly meaningful to you?

I did this show about twelve years ago. I played Asher one of the middle brothers, and now I am playing Reuben, the oldest brother, so....  But I remember doin’ that show then and thinking, I want to sing "One More Angel in Heaven," and now that is my number! I always wanted to do the show again, in a much grander production than I did before, and now I get to tour the country doing it!

What has been for you the most amazing, wonderful experience, in playing this role?

I love playing this role and singing this song every night! It is a great feature, and I am the first "voice" of the brothers to be heard, so my role is kind of the guy who gets the ball rolling toward getting rid of Joseph. It is fun to do this number that turns into a big toe-tapping, hoe-down number! Being from Arizona, it is fun to sing the country song and have the desert behind me in the show! The best part was going home to Arizona and getting to do this show at the big theatre there, where I had over 200 friends and family come see me! That was the most amazing part!

What for you is the most meaningful theme of the show, and why do you think it's been so popular?

I think the message of this show is so universal. It was written over forty years ago and has been produced for that whole time all over the world. This show may be a religious story from the Bible, but its popularity does not have anything to do with whether you are religious or not. The themes of forgiveness and second chances within a family are ones everyone can relate to. Also the recurring theme of possibility and believing in dreams and what can happen if you do that is a theme that both young and old relate to, and this I think is why this show has lasted and been so popular for so long!

For tickets or show information and updates, visit www.tpac.org. And for more information on Brian Golub, see www.briangolub.com.

PHOTO CREDITS:

Banner, Ace Young as Joseph, Diana DeGarmo as Narrator and Company. Photography by Daniel Brodie.

Ryan Williams as Pharaoh and Ace Young as Joseph in “Stone the Crows.” Photography by Daniel A. Swalec.