Church to present annual concert

SPARTA-The First Presbyterian Church of Sparta will present Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" on Nov. 12-14. The show is the second annual fall musical for the church following last year's production of Godspell, which was performed for about 700 people in four sold-out performances. Joseph, which was also made into a movie starring staring Donny Osmond, portrays the Bible story of Joseph, favorite son of Jacob and founder of the nation of Israel, and the multi-colored coat given him by his adoring father. Joseph's 11 brothers are jealous of him because of the dreams he claims to have that elevate him over the rest of his family. The brothers' hatred leads them to sell him into slavery in Egypt, where his ability to interpret dreams makes him an advisor to the Pharaoh. The story is told entirely in song and features such hit numbers as "Any Dream Will Do," "Close Every Door," and "Go, Go, Go, Joseph." A 12-piece orchestra will accompany the cast of 34, which includes high school students and adults from Sussex and Morris counties and a children's choir. Many new faces will join cast members returning after appearing in Godspell and the spring youth musical, American Ideal. Also returning are Karen McEver and Cathy McKay as the musical and theatrical directors. Choreography is by Dana Ziegler of Ziegler Dance Centre. Joseph is being played by Drew Cranisky, a senior at Walkill Valley Regional High School. Susan Puglisi is the narrator, and Michael Yannuzzi stars as Pharaoh. The Friday and Saturday evening shows begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be presented as a dinner theater with tickets costing $20. Two Sunday, Nov. 14 shows, at 3 and 6:30 p.m., are non-dinner, with tickets costing $12. The church is located at 32 Main Street in Sparta. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 973-729-6197.