Streamwood High's 'Joseph' a community affair

Streamwood High School's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" won't just include high school students on stage.

The musical, which opens today, also includes a 22-member children's choir, comprised of singers ages 7 to 12. Director Michael Hain and student pianist Chris Waskiewicz helped assemble the choir starting last summer.

"Pretty much I just went to every community establishment I could find: coffeehouses, churches, schools - every place conceivable," Hain said. "I hung up audition forms with little tearaway save-the-date tags."

He even solicited parents with children during July's annual Streamwood Summer Celebration, ultimately drawing 35 kids to the auditions.

That's not the only surprise twist for the cast of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. Streamwood High Spanish teacher Michael Demovsky will also take the stage in the role of Jacob, Joseph's father.

The presence of Demovsky, who lacks prior stage experience, has sparked even more interest in the musical.

"I've never sold so many tickets to faculty," Hain said.

The students have also really dedicated themselves to putting on a top-flight production, he said. It's another sign of a music department that has grown in the last few years.

"This is going to be a great, fun-filled, family show, including everything from disco balls and roller skates to cowboy hats and a hoedown," said Jaimie Abney, the school's bands director. "It is guaranteed to make you laugh."

The show doesn't involve typical acting, as all dialogue is sung. The musical features the choir, a 25-member cast, 15-member pit and 6-member backstage crew.

The show goes until Valentine's Day, Feb. 14 with $8 for tickets.

"The cast really enjoyed the music, the funny bits, and they're interested in the expressive opportunities that a show like this provides," Hain said.