A local, award-winning news anchor is featured again in this year's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," which returns for its ninth season at Weathervane Playhouse.
The theater's holiday show includes Emmy award-winning news anchor Eric Mansfield of Channel 3 News, as well as dozens of new costumes, and a full stage turntable.
The play, part of Weathervane's Young Actors Series, opens Nov. 25 and runs through Dec. 21. Five performances have already sold out, so those wishing to attend should reserve early.
"Joseph" is a rainbow ride through biblical Egypt on the wings of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music, with lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical tells the story of Joseph, a young man with a knack for having prophetic dreams. He incurs the jealousy of his brothers when his father gives him a magnificent colorful coat.
Sarah Bailey is director and lead choreographer, and Evie Morris is musical director and conductor.
The role of Joseph will be played by Jonathon Merechant of Akron, and the Narrator will be played by Erica Butler of Dover, Ohio. Mansfield will be returning to play two roles -- Jacob and Pharaoh.
Each performance will feature a local youth choir. The choirs participating this year are St. Francis De Sales in Akron, Windemere Elementary School in Akron, St. Joseph School in Cuyahoga Falls and Weathervane's own Youth Chorus comprised of theater students.
Special weekday morning performances are available, along with regular public performances. Tickets are $12 with a group rate of $10 available for 15 or more. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 330-836-2626 Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Cast members
Other cast members include:
Richard Crafton of Akron performs the role of Potiphar and Reuben.
Amanda Morrow of Kent performs the role of Mrs. Potiphar and Asher's Wife.
Tyler Jensen of Norton performs the role of the Butler and Zebulan.
Andy Moledor of Peninsula, a student at Woodridge High School, performs the role of the Baker and Simeon.
Max Winer of Copley performs the role of Levi.
Jacob Jones of Akron, a student at Summit Christian School, performs the role of Napthali.
Daniel Lozinak of Cuyahoga Falls performs the role of Isaachar.
Kal Bowers of Akron performs the role of Asher.
Jalen Mitchell of Akron performs the role of Dan.
Brian Hirsch of Akron performs the role of Gad.
Benjamin Petit of Akron performs the role of Judah.
Jake Mansfield of Akron performs the role of Benjamin.
Sarah Allan of Peninsula, a student at Woodridge High School, performs the role of Reuben's Wife.
Julia Davis of Kent performs the role of Simeon's Wife.
Abbey Casino of Barberton performs the role of Levi's Wife.
Julianna Blischak of Akron performs the role of Napthali's Wife.
Monica Peck of Copley performs the role of Isaachar's Wife.
Alyse Hanna of Copley performs the role of Dan's Wife.
Rachel Ashley of Akron performs the role of Zebulan's Wife.
Devin Sutter of Munroe Falls performs the role of Gad's Wife.
Lacey Shaw of Wooster performs the role of Judah's Wife.
Lizzie Tatton of Akron performs the role of Benjamin's Wife.
Catie McNeal of Akron, Kaitlyn Stacy of Barberton and Tasha Tucker of Cuyahoga Falls perform in the Anchor Chorus.