‘Joseph’ invades SCCA
Published 10:20 pm Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Biblical story of Joseph, his coat of many colors and his band of jealous brothers will storm the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts this weekend and next weekend.
The Suffolk Community Players will present the show in performances Saturday and Sunday both weekends.
“It’s a great play for the community,” said Paul Lasakow, executive director of the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts.
“The story has not changed any from the Bible,” said Mark Hudgins, director of the show. “It’s absolutely a family show. It will appeal to all ages. It’s a joyful and joyous production.”
The cast has been rehearsing for the show for five weeks. The play involves amateur theater actors and professionals. This cast includes many young performers, some of whom are students at the Governor’s School for the Arts, Hudgins said.
This is the Suffolk Community Players’ third stage production. For the actors, the most difficult things about performing in a musical are the musical cues, dance steps, and working cohesively.
“Learning the steps was a big obstacle to overcome, and all the brothers acting as a cohesive unit,” said Justin Libbey, who is playing one of Joseph’s brothers. “It was hard for us to come together in unison.”
“It’s a lot more to it than I thought it would be, but I’m enjoying every minute of it,” said Ernie Hefferon, who plays the pharaoh. “The timing aspect, working with the timing of the dancers and hearing cues — it’s difficult when it comes to that. It’s a lot to think about.”
“It’s been a good experience. I’ve meet good people,” said Gerald Caesar, who plays Joseph.
“I love the moral of the story,” Hefferon said. “Give it a chance and come out for a night of entertainment. It’s pleasantly, surprisingly entertaining. I would buy a ticket even if I wasn’t in it.”
The show will open this weekend. The first performance will be held on Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a performance on Sunday at 4 p.m. There will also be shows on the following weekend on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for students and $20 for adults.