Heartland Festival has another hit show with 'Joseph'
PLATTEVILLE - The audience attending "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" was barely able to keep its standing ovation from turning into a dance number at the close of this opening night extravaganza at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Center for the Arts on July 11.
This fourth offering in the eighth season of the Heartland Festival had the audience raving.
"Outstanding - truly first class. I feel fortunate to get to see something this good so close to home," said Steve Baldus, who came from Dodgeville with his daughter, Hannah.
Was it the harmonious lament of the 11 brothers singing "Those Canaan Days," the tropical tunes of the "Benjamin Calypso" or the "Poor, Poor Pharaoh's" wild, Elvis-like gyrations which got the crowd's toes tapping?
"I can't pick a favorite number," said Bethany Jarding of Platteville. "It's one of the best ensemble productions I've ever seen."
"And the coat was really cool," added Hannah Baldus.
The story of Joseph, described by director and musical director Paul Helm as being essentially about dreaming and storytelling, follows the trials of Joseph as he is exiled and enslaved, but ultimately restored and redeemed. "Like many great dreamers of the world, Joseph is an inspiration to us all as he uses his courage and faith to make his dreams come true," said Helm.
The role of Joseph is performed by Heartland Festival newcomer, Aaron Sitrick. The narration of the tale is provided entirely through song, performed by Abby Shultz and Kelsey Klug. The supporting cast, including a children's chorus drawn from regional talent, includes over 70 actors.
"It just felt like every single person was made for the part," said Margaret Dalsing of Platteville, who attended with her granddaughters, Emily and Katie Hinderman. "It's wonderful that these young kids get an opportunity to be in the chorus at such an early age. I will definitely be back next year," she said.
"And it's really funny in many places," added Katie Hinderman.
Often, the audience burst into spontaneous applause simply in appreciation for the set, costuming and staging.
"The sets were beautiful, the pyramids were gorgeous, and it was so interesting the way they wove everything in and out. I would like to see it again just for that," said Joyce Hanson of Madison, who attended with her daughter, Tina Roth, a frequent Heartland Festival fan.
"It was magnificent," said first time Heartland Festival visitor, Vicki Schmitt, of Lancaster. "It was hard to sit still with so much energy in the room. This was a fabulous production."
Evening performances of "Joseph," starting at 7:30 p.m., will be held on July 17, 20, 22, 24 and 31. Matinee performances, starting at 2 p.m., will be held on July 19 and 27;and Aug. 3. Ticket prices are $17 for adults or $9 for children under 18 and UWP students with I.D.
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 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.
Contact: John Hassig, executive director of Performing and Visual Arts, Programs and Facilities, (608) 342-1298, hassigj@uwplatt.edu Written by: Evelyn Martens, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, martense@uwplatt.edu
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