by April Helms

Special Products Editor

Weathervane Playhouse is marking two milestone anniversaries this year: its 75 years of existence, and the 10th consecutive year it has staged Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."

But despite its long run -- or perhaps because of it -- the show has remained very popular with local audiences, said Sarah Bailey of Cuyahoga Falls, who has directed the show for six of the 10 years.

"I think it has become a tradition," Bailey said. "It's a show that can be enjoyed by the whole family. There's nothing really scary to keep away the younger children, but there's enough for adults to enjoy as well."

Click here to see a short video of a recent rehearsal and interviews with cast and crewmembers.

Melanie Y.C. Pepe, director of education, said that last year's shows sold out -- even with added dates -- and this year, the opening weekend has already sold out.

"Last year, the show sold out a week before we opened," Pepe said. "We added two shows last year, which sold out in two days. We had people coming from Michigan to see their grandkids."

Pepe said that those who have seen "Joseph" in past years will find many new elements in this year's production, including new costumes, new set pieces and new choreography.

About a week from opening, the costumers were busy finishing the costumes needed for the show; Pepe said she estimates nearly 200 costumes are used for the production.

"All the costumes are very detailed," said volunteer seamstress Connie Velotta, as she indicated some of the outfits and headpieces that would be used.

Alan Scott Ferrall, the scenic and lighting designer, said he has worked on the show from the first year on.

"It's amazing how far we've come with this show," said Ferrall, a Cuyahoga Falls resident. "I've looked at the set we had the first year and said 'wow, this is what we used.'"

Ferrall said there are three new scene pieces for this year's 10th anniversary show. He and the volunteer set constructors had to work quickly on the sets for the popular musical.

"The same evening we closed 'Ballyhoo,' we started working on the turntable for 'Joseph,'" he said.

Pepe said "Joseph" was a highly technical production, and requires a large team of dedicated volunteers.

"We wouldn't be able to do this show without them," Pepe said.

A large bonus with staging "Joseph" is the opportunity to educate area youth and teens in theater, Pepe said. She said this year there would be a total of 120 children in the youth choruses alone, students invited from local schools to sing onstage with the cast.

"Every year it builds," Pepe said. "It brings children into the theater. They see it's not scary to come and perform, and to come audition. It's building the culture of theater in Akron. A total of 15,000 children have been in 'Joseph,' and that's just in the children's choir."

"That's not including the cast," Bailey added. The director said there are more than 30 people in the cast this year.

Pepe said that the theater also offers $5 tickets for schoolchildren to come see the performances as a part of their outreach.

About the show

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" opens Nov. 24 and runs through Dec. 20. The story is from the Biblical tale of Joseph and his 11 brothers.

Aaron Darr will play Joseph, and Amanda Davis will play the narrator in the production.

Other cast members include Jasen J. Smith as Jacob and Potiphar; Jon Ridinger as Pharoah; Hannah Conkle as Mrs. Potiphar and Simeon's Wife; Joe D'Attoma as the Butler and Levi; Helena Olee as the Baker and Gad's Wife; Jonathon Merechant as Reuben; Dane Leasure as Simeon; Max Winer as Napthali; Andy Moledar as Issachar; Benjamin Petit as Asher; Daniel Lozinak of Cuyahoga Falls as Dan; Brian Hirsch as Zebulan; Tyler Jensen as Gad; Brandon Kline as Judah; Justin Wiley as Benjamin; Allisyn Just as Reuben's Wife; Krissa Duhon as Levi's Wife; Monica Peck as Napthali's Wife; Catie McNeal as Issachar's Wife; Abbey Casino as Asher's Wife; Alyse Hanna as Dan's Wife; Kailtyn Harris as Zebulan's Wife; Carly Ameling as Judah's Wife; and Isabella Post as Benjamin's Wife.

Ensemble members include Leonida Bonyo; Paige Burris; Noah Casino; Halley Hopson; Jacob Mansfield; Marcus Martin; Alan Pickett; and Lexus Price.

Each performance will feature a local youth choir. The choirs participating this year are Miller South Performing Arts School in Akron, St. Francis deSales in Akron, Windemere Elementary School in Akron, and a combined choir from Essex and Ritzman Elementary Schools in Akron.

Ticket information

Special weekday morning performances are available, along with regular public performances. Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for youth under the age of 17. Group rates are also available.

Call 330-836-2626 Tuesday through Friday for details or reservations between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Weathervane Playhouse is at 1301 Weathervane Lane in Akron.

E-mail: ahelms@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3153