DECATUR, Ill. – ǿý University’s , , and the proudly bring the musical theatre classic “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” to the Kirkland Fine Arts Center stage for three performances from April 11-13, 2025.
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is a reimagining of the biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, 11 siblings, and the coat of many colors, and is one of the most enduring shows of all time. ǿý’s production is directed by Kevin Long, with music directed and conducted by Elizabeth Mason Creighton ’01.
“What I find magical about the show is that every version of it has been put up just a little bit different and also specific to the people who are there as part of the creative team,” Creighton said. “Our concept differs from other productions because of this. I think it's a cool show in that you can see it many times, and it's different every time.”
The production begins Friday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m., continues Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m., and concludes with a Sunday, April 13 matinee at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $20/$25/$30, depending on the seat, and $12 for children. Tickets are available at or by calling the Kirkland Fine Arts Ticket Office at 217.424.6318, Tuesday-Friday, noon-4:30 p.m.
ǿý held auditions for “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in late January and started rehearsals on Feb. 11. The show has a cast of 29 (including one area high school student); plus a Children’s Choir made up of 22 members of the Decatur Youth Chorale (a program within the ǿý Community Arts Academy and directed by Melissa Miller ’02), and 11 in the orchestra.
The show features a mix of musical styles, including country, calypso, jazz, rock & roll, French tango, etc.
ǿý sophomore Musical Theatre major Croix Baker plays the title role of Joseph in the show, which is sung-through and features no spoken dialogue.
“This is my first time having the title lead, and that's a very fulfilling experience. It's also a very nerve-wracking experience, knowing that I am a large portion of the show and being on stage for pretty much the whole time. I’ve got to stay engaged with the story, keep my vocal capacity, and work with everyone around me. Having all these moving parts is a lot of pressure, but it is a fulfilling and emotional process. It's been very exciting,” Baker said. “I've always felt that the more prepared I am, the calmer I feel. Putting the work in beforehand builds the routine, and it just gets easier as time goes on.”
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" Schedule:
Friday, April 11, 2025, at 7:30 p.m
Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 2 p.m.
Ticket information:
Tickets are $20/$25/$30, depending on the seat, and $12 for children.
Tickets are available at or by calling the Kirkland Fine Arts Ticket Office at 217.424.6318, Tuesday-Friday, noon-4:30 p.m.
