Footlight Theatre Company dreams in technicolour

(From the October issue of Playboard magazine)

“Go big or go home!” that’s Footlight Theatre Company’s motto for 2009. After many shows in the 285- seat James Cowan Theatre at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, the community theatre company will be moving into the 600-seat, state-ofthe- art Michael J. Fox Theatre for its annual fall production. What better vehicle for this exciting step than Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat?

A hit musical about following dreams, no matter where they take you. With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Joseph is a family classic, a rags-toriches story that is guaranteed to have audiences of all ages singing along and dancing in their seats.

Danny Balkwill stars as Joseph, making his return to Vancouver after a two-year engagement with Mirvish Productions’ We Will Rock You in Toronto. Balkwill’s other credits include the North American premiere of Mamma Mia! and leading roles in Grease, Footloose, Godspell, Seussical The Musical and most recently Thoroughly Modern Millie (at TUTS this summer). Balkwill and a large adult cast of 33 triple-threat performers are supported by a children’s chorus of 60, from all over the Lower Mainland, led by Michelle Creber (last seen in the title role of Annie at TUTS) and Emily Matchette (Young Cosette in the Arts Club’s smash hit production of Les Misérables).

This amazing group is backed by a live band that includes Michael Creber (piano), Buff Allen (drums), Dave Ivaz (guitar) and Rene Worst (bass). These Juno Award winning, Grammy-nominated musicians have played with such A-list entertainers as David Bowie, k.d. lang, Diana Krall, Aerosmith and Ray Charles. Their theatrical credits include Broadway touring productions of Rent, Miss Saigon, Chicago, Show Boat, The Wiz and Annie. It’s clear that this show is going to rock!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is directed and choreographed by Lalainia Lindbjerg-Strelau, with musical direction by Monique Creber, costumes by Christina Sinosich, sets by Ian Schimpf and lighting by Des Renard. The show runs November 6 to 14, at 7:30 p.m. (Thursday to Sunday), with a school show at 12:30 p.m. on November 6 and a matinee at 2:00 p.m. on November 8. Tickets are on sale now! Visit www.ticketstonight.ca or call 604.684.2787. Discounts are available for schools and other large groups; email info@footlight.ca for details.