With spring right around the corner, the stage is set for a colorful act.
In the second semester, the curtain will rise on “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” in the Performing Arts Center [PAC] on Thursday, March 6, and will continue until Saturday, March 15.
The musical, a vibrant reimagining of the biblical story of Joseph, follows his journey as the favored son with a multicolored coat who faces betrayal from his jealous brothers.
Infused with eclectic musical styles ranging from rock and roll to calypso, the production will showcase themes like perseverance and forgiveness.
With a new directorial team, this production showcases a different theatrical style.
Annie Pagano, the musical’s director, said it is her first time working at Sunny Hills, though she has an extensive background of working 13 years with La Habra High School’s theater department, nine years with Fullerton Children’s Repertory Theater and currently working at Rancho-Starbuck Intermediate School.
Pagano said the choice of this year’s spring production came from theater teacher Christian Penuelas.
“After having conversations with him, a lot of the reasons [why we chose this musical] was because he had students that were right for those parts.” the director explained.
Penuelas, recently on paternity leave, entrusted the production to a capable team, including co-director and choreographer Brennen Logan, who was familiar with the musical’s demands.
“It’s really heavy on vocals and choreography, and I think our strength is in the choreography,” she said.
With different genres of music, the production relies heavily on dynamic movement to tell its story and enhance character development.
“There is no pure dialogue in this production. It’s all singing and movement-based, and the movement in this show definitely drives the story forward,” the director said.
Leading the cast is senior Caleb Van Hook, whose standout audition secured him the role of Joseph.
“He’s extremely confident. He is not afraid to stand up and collaborate with the directors,” the director said. “That confidence, the willingness to make choices while he was acting and vocally while he was singing definitely makes him stand out. Not to mention he’s incredibly talented.”
Van Hook said it’s exciting to experiment with new acting methods and hopes the audience views his character on a deeper level.
“During rehearsals, I think having the chance to practice different ways to deliver my lines was helpful,” he said. “I hope they’ll see he is comical, but at the same time, there’s something deeper about him than other characters.”
Behind the scenes, set and costume design are meticulously crafted to match the musical’s vibrant energy.
“You’re going to see interesting costumes that represent things you’re familiar with in popular culture adapted to fit the musical in a really colorful, fun and exciting way,” Pagano said.
As the curtain rises on ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,’ the director said the team hopes audiences leave not just entertained but inspired.
“I hope that the audience leaves being entertained, understanding the story of Joseph and the brother, and enjoying the talent of the Sunny Hills High School students,” the director said.
