Citadel Theatre's production of 'Joseph' extended
Citadel Theatre's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" has been extended until Dec. 30 due to popular demand, according to Citadel Artistic Director Scott Phelps.
"We're thrilled that Citadel's recent productions, including 'Joseph,' have earned such praise from critics," Phelps said. "Sometimes we feel like a hidden treasure out here in Lake Forest, and we hope all of our recent Jeff recommendations/nominations and a coveted Jeff Award will help more people discover us. You don't have to travel downtown to experience professional live theater - Citadel's right here."
Performance details and ticket purchases for all remaining performances of the Jeff-recommended production are available at www.citadeltheatre.org or (847) 735-8554, ext. 1. Tickets for Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are $40; Saturdays and Sundays are $45. Discounts are available for groups, seniors and students.
Citadel Theatre is at 300 S. Waukegan Road in Lake Forest.
One of the most enduring shows of all time, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" re-imagines Joseph's trials and triumphs with his doting father Jacob, 11 jealous brothers, and a coat of many colors. This Old Testament biblical story is shared through contemporary eyes with songs like "Any Dream Will Do" and "Close Every Door" (music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, book and lyrics by Tim Rice).
This musical was nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.
Citadel's production is directed by Robert D. Estrin, with Actors' Equity Association member J.P. Thomas as Pharaoh and Joseph's father Jacob. Joseph is portrayed by Jacob Barton; Carmen Risi and Laura Thoresen jointly play the role of the Narrator. Appearing as Joseph's brothers are Marcellus Burt, Eric Deutz, Derek Fawcett, Peter Gertas, Ryan Jozaitis, Artem Lazarev, Brian Mengler, Shane Roberie, Kyle Ryan, Benjamin Salt and Ryan Smetana.
The ensemble includes Traci Cidlik, Lily Cox, Jenna Fawcett, Chamaya Moody and Brittani Moore. Derek Fawcett also plays Potiphar and understudies the roles of Pharaoh and Jacob. Jenna Fawcett also plays Potiphar's wife and understudies the Narrator, and Benjamin Salt understudies Joseph.
The children's chorus includes Emiko Chichester, Luke Chichester, Jocelyn Goldman, Ali Gregorio, Katie Henken, Hannah Prask, Emma Sitati and Ethan Sitati.
Two-time Jeff Award winner Ryan Brewster is music director and Jake Ganzer is the choreographer. Also on the design and production team are 2018 Jeff Award winning scenic designer Eric Luchen, Sarah Lake Rayburn (costume design), Diane D. Fairchild (lighting design), Mark Holley (properties design), Bob Boxer (sound design), Nicole DelPizzo (scenic artist), Nick Peebles (production manager) and Samantha Tink (stage manager). Casting is by Robin Hughes of Metropolis Casting.
The Jeff awards have been honoring outstanding theater artists annually since 1968, and are committed to celebrating the vitality of Chicago area theater by recognizing excellence through recommendations, awards, and honors.
Recently, Citadel Theatre received Jeff nominations for "Sex with Strangers," which ran February through March 2018; "The Explorer's Club," which ran April through May; and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," running November through December. Paul Kim recently won the 2017-18 Jeff Award for Costume Design in Citadel Theatre's production of "The Explorer's Club."
In addition to providing professional theater productions, Citadel also provides youth programs and is proud to give back to the larger community.
"We invited members of the military to attend one of our preview performances of 'Joseph' to show our appreciation for their service and to celebrate Veterans Day," Managing Director Brandon Waters said. "While Lake Forest is an affluent area, there are definitely families of more modest means in Lake County. Through our Citadel Cares program, we offer scholarships for our educational programming to students from under-resourced families. Each year we provide approximately 500 free tickets to families who couldn't otherwise afford to attend the theater."
Citadel Theatre is a nonprofit organization that seeks to provide a creative haven for passionate, visionary theatrical artists and a home for audiences seeking the emotional and intellectual riches that quality theater inspires. Upcoming productions include "The Roommate" Feb. 1 through March 3, and "Sentimental Journey" April 26 through May 26.
For information, visit www.citadeltheatre.org.