The musical hitting the Pickard stage in October is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat performed by Rocket Players.

Talented students from grades nine to 12 will be performing along with a surprising guest as Jacob and 13 elementary school children in the choir on stage. The performance dates are Oct. 15, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. The ticket prices are $8 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online via: http://www.rocketplayers.com.

This musical contains music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The story is based off a biblical story of Joseph, found in the book of Genesis. It has a narrator guiding the audience through the story. It starts off with a coat of many colors which is given to Jacob’s son Joseph in preference of him. Joseph’s brothers are jealous of his coat. After all there are 12 sons, and Joseph is shown to be the favorite. The brothers end up selling Joseph to passing Ishmaelites as a slave. Eventually Joseph makes his way back up the ranks while his brothers back home are suffering from famine. They decide to go to Egypt for food and run into their brother unknowingly that they betrayed. Maybe they should not have sold him at all, after all they owe him their lives.

Ms. Karyl Schnyder is the skilled director of the musical. After all she has been with the theatre since she was 3 years old. She directed her first piece at 15, “It’s been a true part of my life”, Snyder said with a growing smile. She has done 18 profound musicals in the NHS district. NHS has had musicals going on since the 1960s! Schnyder also catches a glimpse of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s other pieces in this musical. Weber has been known for musicals like Phantom of The Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar. Cast members from all ages will enjoy this musical because a broad range of actors exist on stage, even third graders!

“This is a colorful, upbeat and fast moving musical,” Snyder said excitedly. She hopes that the one thing everyone leaves with is a smile. Perhaps people have been talking about the “Joseph is coming” signs around the city. That is advertising for this outstanding musical! Lawn signs have been distributed because of generous donations of some parents, not to mention the radio advertisements!

Thirty-two students anchor the cast, 13 in the kids’ choir, and 40 on crew. Pickard features a talented tech. members on crew, and its actors, not to mention the auditorium layout. Most gets along behind the curtains; it is truly a blessing. Despite budget always being a common problem, Rocket Players get more creative with setting up the stage. After all, creativity is key. All audiences are recommended to check out the way some cast members get to enter and exit the stage, it is quite a surprise. Ms. Schnyder loves every part of this production and she hopes everyone does too.