THE SKY’S THE LIMIT. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous Joseph will be staged at The State Theater. Above: Frank Rineck as the multicolored lead.

As I sat in the back staircase of the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild with Katie Schumacher, we talked about the upcoming production of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, which she is directing. While we chatted, the sound of 60 cast members warming up their singing voices drifted through the staircase. Between the details that Katie filled me in on and the warm music that filled my ears, one thing was abundantly clear: This is going to be a great show.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous musical about the biblical tale of Joseph is set to hit the stage at the end of the month. While it’s a show many of us are probably familiar with, CVTG’s production will include some elements that aren’t in the traditional version. Everyone knows that Joseph had 11 brothers, but what most of us don’t know is that he also had a sister. Through teaching Sunday school and doing some personal research, Katie learned this and decided to include the sister as a character in their production.

“Some of the scenes are going to be unique because every director puts their own twist on it,” Katie told me. “There are some things I see a little different.”

The production has the biggest cast Katie has ever directed. With 60 people, a large variety of folks are included, and this is something that makes the production really special.

“You’re going to fall in love with the cast,” Katie said.

Becky Santine plays the narrator while Frank Rineck will be Joseph, and both of them bring a lot to the show. Katie has also been very thankful for Keith Lorasch, the orchestra and music director. With his help, the cast has really flourished and already sound great.

With so many people, Katie told me that the group has been meshing very well and becoming a family in many respects. Since the play is about Joseph and his family, it makes for a very appropriate atmosphere.

“We’ve got grandmothers and granddaughters. We’ve got fathers and daughters. We’ve got whole families in the show,” she said. “It’s unique to see the family dynamics throughout this.”

From what Katie told me, this is going to be a show worth seeing. When I asked why people should come and see it, she told me, “The color, the costumes, the set, the voices, the choreography; it’s like a flower that has just gone from a bud to a full bloom.”

Overall, this is going to be a beautiful production that will leave people feeling good since it has a lot to do with love and forgiveness. Whether you’re a fan of the show or this is your first time, you won’t regret seeing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

CVTG will present Joseph at The State Theatre in downtown Eau Claire. Show times will be at 7:30pm on June 25, 26, and 27 along with a matinee at 1:30pm on June 28. For information on how to get tickets, visit cvtg.org or call (715) 832-7529.