Hoffman Estates theater students to stage 'Joseph'

With the winter musical just days away, the students in the Hoffman Estates High School Theater program are hard at work preparing for this year's musical, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."

The show premieres at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, (tickets are $5), with additional shows at 7 p.m. March 3, 4, and 5 (tickets are $10).

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" follows the biblical character Joseph and his life's journey. The role is quite challenging, according to junior Dominic Luzwick, who plays Joseph.

"Joseph is the most demanding role I have ever played, both singing and acting wise. To play Joseph, you have to have a large vocal range and you need to be able to express every word you sing to the audience. You want the audience to know how you are feeling and connect with them," said Luzwick.

Luzwick, who has been performing in musicals since he was 2 years old, is hard at work along with his cast members, who he describes as "family," to make this year's rendition of "Joseph" special for the audience members.

Maddi Fetterman, a senior who plays the Baker, Butler and a Wife, is also looking forward to being on stage. Fetterman, who has done theater since she was 6, is very excited to play a range of characters. She is particularly intrigued by the role of the Butler.

"[The Butler], specifically, helps Joseph become successful when he is in his darkest hour by giving him a dream or two to interpret with his pal, the Baker," said Fetterman.

There are several students also working tirelessly behind the scenes.

Senior Bella Myszka is an artist and lighting designer. She designed the T-shirts that were sold to raise money for the musical.

"Designing the T-shirts was a fun experience. I looked through different photos and posters on the internet to draw inspiration and get an idea of important aspects of the musical, and I worked to create something that represents the story of the show," Myszka said.

The musical also will feature the pit orchestra crew. Junior Chittesh Saravanan, a member of the Pit Crew, plays the viola. The pit practices alone at first, looking to get a general idea of the song, and then meets together to combine instruments and melodies.

"Usually when we think about musicals, we just think about lyrics, but a holistic experience is provided by the background music that we have the pleasure of playing," said Saravanan.

Finally, the producers of the show are in charge of the administrative and financial aspects.

"My job is mostly filing paperwork, working on the playbill. But there are also things like getting advertisements to put in the playbill," said Mila Brady, a freshman and a producer intern.

Selling is an important part of being a producer, and Brady's favorite part is going on "Van Days," where the producers travel around the city in a van and sell playbill advertisements to local businesses to raise money for the production.

Although their jobs are very different, these students, along with the rest of the Hoffman Estates High School Theater program, are working toward the common goal of producing a fantastic show for the audience.

For tickets, visit adc.d211.org/Domain/12.