Back in 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic completely took precedence in society, the musical Joseph The Dreamer completed its 12-show run with high praise and standing ovations from the audience. It was the last musical that swept the stage for a while.
Yet now that the entertainment industries are slowly reopening, Trumpets Inc., a non-stock, non-profit theater company, believes bringing back Joseph The Dreamer is the appropriate move to signal the return of live theater performances in the country.
“Joseph The Dreamer is a show that speaks to the family, with messages of love and forgiveness; and what a time it is now to forgive,” said Miguel Jimenez, the Marketing Head of Trumpets, during an online media conference for the well-received musical.
With two months only to prepare, Jimenez divulged that they at Trumpets didn’t know if they could pull it off. Some of their previous cast committed to other shows, while others had to re-learn the show and its lines.
Despite these challenges, the cast and production team behind Joseph The Dreamer answered the call to return on stage to share Trumpet’s adaptation of the inspiring Biblical story made colorful with alluring songs and a well-choreographed dance routine.
Meanwhile, the musical itself isn’t the only thing that’s returning to the stage of live theater. Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano, is also making a comeback to musical theater after 23 years.
Gary played the lead role of Jacob during the 1999 run of the musical and now takes on the role of the father, Jacob. He took some time off from television shows such as Idol Philippines and ASAP Natin ‘To to participate in the musical.
“[It’s] kind of something new, in a way, for me, but [I’m] thankful that things fell into place and I have a chance to be a part of Joseph The Dreamer again,” Gary said.
This year’s revival also marks another father-son collaboration as Paolo Valenciano, the country’s leading concert director, directs his father in this production.
Reprising his role as Joseph from the 2020 run of the musical is Sam Concepcion. Joining him are Audie Gemora as Jacob, Kayla Rivera as Asenath, Carlo Orosa as the Pharaoh, and Bituin Escalante as Rachel, Joseph’s mother.
On the other hand, the show’s production team includes associate director Nelsito Gomez, musical director Myke Salomon, choreographer MJ Arda of the A-Team, and the award-winning production designer Mio Infante.
“I’m so happy that the next generation is taking on this incredible show that started in 1989. I guess the message is as relevant today as it is back then,” said Gemora.
He added that the longevity of any theater company comes from succession, and it’s appropriate that Joseph The Dreamer encourages generational responsibility, as evident throughout the story and the involvement of cast and production members from different generations.
The repeat of Joseph The Dreamer will run at the Maybank Performing Arts Theather, Bonifacio Global City, from July 15 to 31. For tickets, call Ticketworld at 8891-9999 or visit https://bit.ly/JTD2022.