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Community Corner

Vista Arts Center announces inclusive, all-ability production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Ivoryton Playhouse

Vista Arts Center, in partnership with the Ivoryton Playhouse, will present an inclusive all-ability production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatThis project inaugurates an effort to unite the shoreline community through theatre by producing a fully inclusive creative experience that will foster friendships and open communication for participants of all ages and all abilities. 59 people came out for auditions, which were held in October. The cast consists of 45 people, 23 of which are Vista students and members, 22 of which are community members, Vista staff and children.

A dazzling, family friendly story, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, is the first musical by legendary theatrical team Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice. Created for a British school choir, the first performance on a cold winter afternoon on March 1, 1968 was only 20 minutes long.  Joseph continued to grow, both in length and in popularity, receiving major productions in London and on Broadway. This colorful retelling of the biblical story about Joseph, his prophetic dreams, his wondrous adventures and his designer coat, sings out to young and old alike. The show has little spoken dialogue and is almost completely sung-through. The score includes a variety of musical styles and wall-to-wall hits - including “Close Every Door”, “Go, Go Go Joseph” and “Any Dream Will Do.”

With Pat Souney as director and Jim Teti as musical director, the Vista production of Joseph will return to the roots of the original performance and incorporate a children's choir as an integral part of the production.  Although this musical has been produced and adapted by many different organizations, Vista Arts Center’s version of the story is unique in the sense that it aims at inspiring hope, courage and acceptance while utilizing an “all-abilities” cast and crew to show that anything is possible.

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In a special partnership with Ivoryton Playhouse, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will open on February 28, 2014 at 7:30 PM. Additional performances will be held on March 1 at 7:30 pm and March 2 at 2:30 pm. Note that the March 1 show will mark the 46th anniversary of the original British production. For more information about the Vista Arts Center or the production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, you can contact Jeanean Cox, Program Manager, at jcox@vistavocational.org or (860)399-8080.

Based in Madison and Westbrook, CT, Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center is a 501©3 nonprofit organization.  Vista’s mission is to provide services and resources on an individualized basis to assist adults with disabilities to live independent and successful lives. 

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For more information regarding Vista, please visit www.vistavocational.org

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