Sitrick returns home to play ‘Joseph’

Aaron Sitrick had no idea when he performed his first audition for the Midwest Theater Auditions in St. Louis, Mo. that he would end up at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Heartland Festival, just a little over an hour away from his hometown of Beloit. Sitrick was cast as Joseph for the production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which will open at the Richard and Helen Brodbeck Concert Hall in the Center for the Arts on July 11.

Sitrick, who graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 2007, is enrolled as a musical theater major at Webster College, which hosts the regional auditions every year. Like all first-year theater students he was required to prepare something for the auditions, whether he actually decided to audition or not. He chose “Go the Distance,” from “Hercules.”John Hassig, executive director the Heartland Festival, said Sitrick’s voice seemed perfectly suited to the role of Joseph.

"He was my far and away my first choice for the role - exactly what we were looking for," said Hassig.

So, getting to come home for the summer turned out to be quite a happy coincidence for Sitrick, especially to play this role, which he’s been unknowingly rehearsing for years.

“It’s my mom’s all time favorite musical, so everytime we went on a road trip, we would all listen to the CD over and over, so I knew the music pretty well before I got here,” he said.

More than 70 people in the cast, ensemble and children’s choir will share the stage in this story of the Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Joseph is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams, and his father’s favorite son. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged.

“This is an upbeat, positive show which kids and adults will be able to relate to. Paul Helm (the director) does a wonderful job and really focuses on the idea of Joseph as a dreamer and about the importance of listening to and following one’s dreams,” said Sitrick. Helm, who has numerous acting and directing credits, including directing last year’s Heartland Festival production of “Seussical,” is returning to UWP for his fourth season.

Sitrick also appears in “I Love You, You’re Perfect … Now Change,” which has several performances remaining in July and August. The musical is a series of short skits and songs performed by six actors playing the roles of several different characters. The musical examines the truths and myths behind “the relationship” by using humor and heart, portraying all too familiar situations in dating and marriage.

“Everyone can relate to something in this show. It peers into many different kinds of relationships, with great music and lots of fun. It’s a wonderful ensemble piece, and I’m so happy to be working with the other five actors,” he said.

Sitrick plays another role in the Heartland Festival, that of stage manager for “Wake Me When I’m Dead,” which is a new experience for him. He said he was nervous when he began but has since learned that the most critical part of the job is to stay organized and be prepared every day. “Wake Me” is an interactive Irish comedy murder mystery, during which an entire meal is served.

“It was very important to the director, VivienneElborne, that the meal and the show both flow very smoothly, without time for the audience to get impatient for either, so that was an important part of this job,” he said. Audience reviews for both the meal and the performance have been outstanding, according to Hassig.

Evening performances of “Joseph,” beginning at 7:30 p.m., will be held on July 11, 17, 20, 22, 24 and 31. Matinees, beginning at 2 p.m., will be held on July 12, 19, and 27; and Aug. 3. Ticket prices are $17 for adults and $9 for children and UWP students with I.D. All opening night performances include a post-show reception sponsored by Platteville Dairy Queen.

Anyone interested in learning more about this or other Heartland Festival shows may call the University Box Office at (608) 342-1298 or visit the Heartland website at http://www.uwplatt.edu/arts/heartland. The University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on the ground floor of the newly renovated Ullsvik Hall at the intersection of Hickory and Main streets. The CFA Box Office location opens one and a half hours before scheduled performances. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.