BEVERLY — A production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” opening at the North Shore Music Theater on Wednesday will see 24 local children take the stage. Many, for the first time professionally.
The kids are a part of the theater’s education program and range from ages 9-15. They perform as a choir during the play, appearing as children listening to the colorful story of Joseph from the Bible’s book of Genesis as told by a narrator, who is played in this production by Olivia Valli, the granddaughter of famous singer Frankie Valli.
It is the first time the theater’s education program has directly included its students in the cast of a professional show running at the venue.
Some of these kids have been participating in the education program for years. Some have auditioned multiple times to be in professional productions, with this being their first time cast.
“That’s probably the most rewarding thing, seeing the kids who have worked so hard over the years and have wanted this opportunity to be with these incredible adult actors who are mostly cast out of New York and have Broadway-level talent,” said Kyla Moulton, the theater’s director of education.
The kids participate in more than 20 numbers, either singing and dancing on stage or singing from the wings.
They have taken part in two-hour rehearsals twice a week since May, and have been split into two casts of 12 that will switch off each show during the play’s July 9-18 run.
“Everybody in this show is top-notch,” said 14-year-old Peabody resident Alysha Sandaire. “They’ve been on Broadway doing professional shows, and it’s just an amazing experience for all of us.”
The play has been a perfect introduction to professional acting for these young performers. Previous tours of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” have featured children’s choirs from the cities the show stopped in, and the production is a colorful, energetic musical that is as fun to watch as it is to be in.
“Being in a professional show has been stressful, but it’s been a lot of fun,” said 10-year-old Beverly resident Nora Celesk. “I love how creative this show is and how everyone here works. They’re serious, but they can also be funny.”
The play follows Joseph’s story of being betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, imprisoned, and, miraculously, brought into wealth and power by Egypt’s pharaoh for his ability to interpret dreams.
The students appear on stage for about one-third of the performance, but sing in most scenes. During Tuesday’s dress rehearsal, they cheered each other on from the wings in between lively songs.
“We’re making a beautiful show for people to see, and it’s like we’re bringing joy to them,” said 12-year-old Peabody resident Madalene Rodrigues.
“Just to think by us being on stage, we could be inspiring a little kid just to start pursuing their dream to do theater,” added 10-year-old Gilda Fitzpatrick of Beverly.
Visit www.nsmt.org for more information about the production.
Contact Caroline Enos at CEnos@northofboston.com .