The first production of Valley Youth Theatre’s 27^th Season

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Opens Tonight at the Herberger Theater Center.  

Phoenix, Arizona (August 14, 2015) Valley Youth Center (VYT) announces the opening of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  Joseph, the first of six award-winning productions in VYT’s 27th Season opens tonight, Friday, August 14^th at the Herberger Theater Center.  

This vibrant musical is based on the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. It follows him as he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt where he endures a series of adventures that test his faith and challenge his spirit.  

Joseph features the music of Andrew Loydd Webber with lyrics by Time Rice and includes the hit songs “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door,” “Benjamin Calypso” and “Go Go Go Joseph.”  

“The music is one of my favorite aspects about this show,” says Bobb Cooper, VYT’s Managing Artistic Director.  “It showcases the brilliance of merging musical compositions from different times and places.  From the sounds of ancient Egypt to contemporary pop culture, this show has it all:  rock n’ roll, calypso, country and classic.”  

“This is the first time we have produced the ‘Mega Mix’ version,” continues Cooper.  “We have had a lot of fun with it, adding pop culture references that create a fast paced, high energy show which will delight everyone who comes out to enjoy it!”  

Returning to the VYT stage as the musical’s Narrator is Payton Biotto.  “Payton started with VYT at the ago of 9 and she is now almost 16.”  Says Cooper.  “In this story she leads the audience through the triumphs and trials of Joseph with the voice of a seasoned professional.  She has matured into an accomplished performer which I am so proud of.”     

Joseph is played by Nathan Sheppard who is a newcomer to the VYT stage.  He has been seen in productions such as Les Misérables and Footloose and a short film produced for the SCC Film Festival.  

Rounding out the cast of Joseph are many talented, up-and-coming entertainers from around the Valley playing parts that range from the 11 Brothers to Male and Female Ensemble parts and the Children’s Chorus.  

Joseph opens in the Center Stage Theater at the Herberger Theater Center on August 14^th and runs through August 30^th.  Shows run Thursday to Sunday and times vary according to the day.  Ticket prices start at $20 and change according to location.  For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office 602.252.8497 or visit www.HerbergerTheater.org  

Valley Youth Theatre would like to offer a special thanks to its many supporters and patrons that make VYT’s mission a success story for so many Valley youth.  

Established in 1989, Valley Youth Theatre is a professional quality, 501(c)(3) non-profit theatre dedicated to helping young people achieve their full potential through meaningful engagement, education and excellence in the performing arts. Winner of nearly 100 National Youth Arts awards, voted “Best Star-Making Machine" and “Best Live Theater” on azcentral.com, heralded as “Best Place to Take a Bow” by Phoenix Magazine and rated one of the “Top Ten Places to Become a Future Star” by The Arizona Republic, VYT produces six main stage shows each season including two at the Herberger Theater Center.  For more information, visit VYT.com.