Sat, 08/25/2018 - 8:45am

Jennifer DeChant

Joseph (Max Middleton) is the subject of the story told by The Narrator (Hope Horton) in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat.” David Mention Photography

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” one of the most enduring shows of all time, kicks off the 2018-19 performance season at the Chocolate Church Arts Center, located at 804 Washington Street in Bath. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice it’s a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, 11 brothers, and the coat of many colors. Tickets are now available for the 7:30 p.m. performances on Sept. 7-8, 14-15; and 2 p.m. matinees on Sept. 16 on the main stage.

Told entirely through song with the help of a main character Narrator (portrayed by Hope Horton of Brunswick), the musical follows the adventures of preferred son Joseph (portrayed by Max Middleton of Bath).

After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar (Andy Sarapas of Brunswick), but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife (Shirley Bernier of Lisbon Falls). While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired, Pharaoh ( Theodore Merrill of Richmond). Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family.

This magical musical, directed by Thom Watson of Brunswick with Theresa Henderson of Gardiner as the music director, is full of catchy songs in a variety of styles, from a parody of French ballads such as “Those Canaan Days” sung by Brother Reuben ( Naples resident Patrick Scully), to the country-western parody of “One More Angel in Heaven” sung by Brother Levi ( Andy Barber of Woolwich) and foot-tapping calypso song “Benjamin Calypso” performed by soloist Chase Tomberline of West Gardiner as Brother Judah. Other unforgettable classics include “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door.”

The Chocolate Church production of “Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” celebrates 50 years since the show was first performed in London. The vivid costumes can be considered as a supporting character in the storytelling.

Director Thom Watson called Marie Waltrip, who was the seamstress in the last production 12 years ago at the Chocolate Church. Even though Marie moved from Maine to Lexington Park, Maryland, she did not hesitate to offer to pack up her fabric and borrow costumes from Three Notch Theater and New Town Players and head north to costume this show.

Tickets are $12 advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are available at the box office 207-442-8455 or for purchase online www.chocolatechurcharts.org.