Springfield Municipal Opera opens season with 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'

[June 02, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Springfield Municipal Opera will open its 2012 season with "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," sponsored by County Auditor Paul Palazzolo. The Muni production will be presented June 8-10 and 13-17 at its outdoor amphitheater, 815 East Lake Drive in Springfield.

The biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Joseph, his father's favorite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock 'n' roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless.

"The staff and cast have been working very hard," said director Flynn Hanners. "I can't wait for the audience to see the magic this cast is bringing to the Muni stage."

John Baker, Muni president, is looking forward to getting the season started with a show that is so popular and offers such musical variety to the audience.

"Audiences never tire of 'Joseph,'" he said. "Bring the family and enjoy the opening of our summer season."

Reserved seating tickets for "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" are $14, with a special $12 price for seniors and military, and are available by calling 217-793-MUNI. General admission tickets (lawn seating) are available before each show at the Muni box office. Prices are $10 for adults, $8 for students, $6 for children 3-12, and ages 2 and under are admitted free. "Family Nights" at the Muni are designated as the first Wednesday night performance of each show's run. Children under 12 are admitted free with the purchase of a paid general admission ticket on those nights.

In addition to "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," the 2012 Muni season will include "Crazy for You," June 29-July 1, 5-8; "Once on This Island," July 20-22, 25-29; and Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," Aug. 10-12, 15-19.

The Springfield Municipal Opera is a not-for-profit theatrical organization that has become a Springfield tradition, providing the best of Broadway to enthusiastic audiences for more than 60 years. Entertaining 30,000-plus each year at its lakeside, outdoor amphitheater, The Muni is one of the largest all-volunteer community theater organizations in the nation. For more information, visit www.themuni.org.

[Text from file received from Springfield Municipal Opera]