A cast of enthusiastic youngsters are thrilled to bring the Lakes Performing Arts Center’s next production to life on stage, and it’s been a long road to get to the show.

The Center’s version of the iconic show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be held at the Harvest Center, with dates February 4-19.

Natasha Benfell, owner of the Lakes Performing Arts Center, said the show was a Lloyd-Webber hit musical based on the Old Testament story of Jacob’s youngest son, which tells of his betrayal by his jealous brothers and his sale into slavery.

She says Joseph has prophetic dreams and these get him in and out of trouble. Her perseverance and her faith in her gift help her to survive.

“It’s a timeless story with great messages.

“Self-belief, determination, forgiveness and compassion. All those things we need to remember at a time like this.”

The show has a cast of around 30 actors, singers and dancers.

Rehearsals began in May 2021 for a proposed season in October. However, with the Covid lockdowns, that meant rehearsals picked up and stopped throughout the year, says Natasha.

“It’s a tragic but not unique story, with a number of different events and shows having to be postponed or cancelled.”

She says many people will remember Joseph not just from the stage show, but also from the film adaptation, and will instantly recall the tunes and magic of that show.

“Some might even remember the performance with Rob Guest and Robert Young as Pharaoh, which almost feels like an eternity ago.

“We would love to have community support with this show. We have postponed to allow time for other productions to continue post-lockdown.

“We really felt the support of the community when we made this decision and we hope now more than ever that Rotorua can support us.”

Natasha says it’s so important for young performers to have stage time.

“They have to get used to being on stage, making mistakes, learning and growing.

“It’s a huge boost to their confidence to be able to participate in live performances, regardless of the size of the audience.

“We have a responsibility to make sure our young artists feel supported and encouraged.

“Many of these students have been so disappointed by the Covid restrictions, and being able to express themselves through their art is just as important to their well-being as it is to ours.”

Ticket prices are $14.50 to $28.00, with prices for children, students, and seniors.

Natasha says they’ve worked to make these prices as affordable as possible, and tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.

The role of Joseph is interpreted on stage by Logan Potae, 16 years old.

He says rehearsals went well, and although the show was postponed, he says one good thing about it was that they had grown closer as a cast by spending more time together.

Logan is very excited to play the role of Joseph.

“It’s such an iconic role to take on because so many different people have played it. To have your own take on the character is pretty cool.”

He says the show brings a sense of togetherness and is fun.

Logan has been involved in musical theater for about six years.

He says one of the most memorable roles he’s played in the past is probably Donkey in Shrek Jnr.

When asked what he loves about acting, Logan replied, “It’s being able to express yourself and have fun with like-minded people who find pleasure in the same thing”.

The details
– What: Joseph from LPAC and the incredible Technicolor Dreamcoat
– When: Dates throughout February 4 to February 19
– Where: Harvest Centre, 324 Malfroy Road
– Tickets and show dates: www.eventbrite.co.nz, $14.50 to $28