Musical set to rock this town this weekend

Ken Johnston
Editor

Who needs to go to Broadway to see stunning musicals?
This Thursday to Sunday the people of the Baudette and Rainy River areas will be able to experience top notch musical entertainment as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat is performed at Lake of the Woods School Auditorium in Baudette.
The cast of 55 includes people from both sides of the border with Jeff Fraser of Rainy River starring as Joseph. Other Rainy River people include Norma-Jean Johnston, Shauna McInerney and the Beller boys.
Director Tami Bredson said that everything is coming together and that the cast is ready to knock the socks off the audience. This week they have been mostly focusing on bringing the technical aspects of the production up to speed with the acting. Lights and sound are being tweaked and full dress rehearsal was held last night.
A live orchestra, featuring musicians from Emo in the east to Williams, MN. in the west will play all the scores for the production which is the biblical story of Joseph and his famous coat of many colours. However, the story features music of many genres and eras.
Bredeson said that there have been few bumps in the road that started back in December with auditions. They practised a couple times a week in January and for the past five weeks or so have been practising every day of the week. The only bump they have experienced was the breakage of a prop. “We had constructed the Sphinx and the head fell apart. However we were able to repair it,” said Bredeson.
In addition to the 55 cast members and 15 orchestra musicians, there has been tremendous behind the scenes support. There are at least 25-35 volunteers working on the sets, making costumes and helping with set changes and other very important aspects of the production.
Bredeson, who has directed this production once previously, said that the major difference this time has been the strength of the performers. “I have never directed an adult cast (for Joseph) and the strength of the soloists is incredible.” She noted that previously she had to have four different people play Joseph. This time Fraser is handling all the scenes and solos of Joseph.
While the play is running over four days, two of them have been dedicated to special contributors. On Thursday the Canadians involved in the production will be the guests of honour at an after production Afterglow Reception in the commons area of the school. Food and refreshments are being sponsored by Rainy River businesses.
Saturday the U.S. members of the cast will be the guests of honour in the Afterglow. It is being sponsored by U.S. businesses. Both Afterglows are open to the public, but have a $2 cover charge to them.
Tickets are available in Rainy River from Jeff Fraser or blocks of ten seats can be reserved on line at www.pequana.com. Border State Banks in Baudette and International Falls have tickets for sale.