St. Mary's to present 'Joseph'
While St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church has already begun celebrating its 30th anniversary with a Mass and picnic earlier this month, it is an upcoming stage production that many parishioners say will bring them closer and show their hidden talents.
St. Mary of Vernon presents "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at 8 p.m. today and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Indian Creek church.
The first Mass took place Aug. 15, 1978 in the Hawthorn Junior High School cafeteria, where parishioners continued to celebrate Mass until 1981 when the worship center opened on Route 45. The parish center was completed in 1987. The parish now serves 2,000 households in Vernon Hills, Indian Creek and parts of Mundelein, Hawthorn Woods and Long Grove.
The church used a theater production to help celebrate its 25th anniversary - "Tales of Wonder" by Marty Haugen. It was a success, in part, because it gave those involved a chance to meet fellow parishioners.
Deacon Mark Zwolski, who has been with the church 29 years, said as the church grows he begins to know a smaller percentage of the parish family. Being a part of the show allows him to know people better.
"It gives us a chance to have fun together, an important component of being a family of faith," Zwolski said.
For this anniversary production, the church has invited the entire community to attend auditions and join the show, creating a cast of more than 100.
"We like to welcome everyone. It enriches who we are and lets them know about who we are," said Michelle Farmer, who joined the parish in 1992 and serves as music director.
Featuring lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the musical tells the story of Joseph, son of Jacob. The son is betrayed by his jealous brothers and sold into slavery and driven to Egypt.
Jennifer Gedville, who produces the show, said the story shows a person who at first will face adversity, but with wit and faith sees his dreams come true as he becomes the governor of Egypt. The story also stresses the importance of family and forgiveness, she said.
Farmer said the parish is filled with talented people who generously donate their time. But through this show she is discovering hidden talents. Zwolski's wife, Carol, made the coat for Joseph to wear and drew set pieces. "These are talents they normally don't use at church," Farmer said.
Among the parish members displaying another talent will be their pastor, Rev. Joseph Curtis, who plays the pharaoh. He hopes parishioners find humor to see him in a different kind of role.
"The pharaoh is an Elvis impersonator. I've never done that in my life," he said. "I thought I'll try it. It's stretching my repertoire."
Jim Welch, who serves as coordinator of youth ministry, enjoys being a part of the show with his family, wife Cathy and children Collin, 10, and Lena, 8. Five-year-old son Benjamin will take part as a spectator.
As he turns 40, Welch takes his first steps on stage since college. Playing the third oldest brother, Levi, Welch said he enjoys the song, "Those Canaan Days" where "I get to use a French accent and I'm sure I'm butchering it terribly." He also plays Potiphar, a wealthy merchant who buys Joseph from the slaves. He is thrilled to play two different roles.
"They've noticed I'm probably a ham and could pull it off," he said.
If you go
What: "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"
When: 8 p.m. today and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: St. Mary of Vernon Church, the Rev. John P. Finnegan Parish Center, 236 Route 45, Indian Creek.
Tickets: $15; $10 for seniors and students; and $50 for family pass, which includes two general admission and three senior/student tickets
For more information: Visit maryofvernon.org or call (847) 362-1005