High-energy sights and sounds at ‘Joseph’

Cast from seven churches performs Broadway show

Photos by Tom Rivers – The Rev. Dan Thurber, pastor of Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church, portrays the Pharoah, who happens to do an Elvis impersonation, in tonight’s performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Curtis Follman is Jacob, who is in anguish after being told his son Joseph was killed.

MEDINA – Cast members from seven local churches joined for a high-energy performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God.

“You can’t beat being able to do a Broadway musical,” said director Trisha Stacey. “This is a way to use our gifts and deliver a Christian message.”

The church first did a full-scale musical two years ago with Godspell. Oak Orchard’s pastor Dan Thurber is a strong supporter of a drama ministry. His wife Diane directed many award-winning musicals at Lyndonville Central School. Mrs. Thurber was one of the singing narrators in Joseph.

The Rev. Thurber excited the crowd tonight when he performed as the Pharaoh, wearing an Elvis costume.

Joseph has been performed on Broadway and many secular stages. It is based on a Biblical story of Joseph and his “coat of many colors.” Joseph is in the Book of Genesis. Oak Orchard displayed several Scriptures on screens during the show.

Thurber said Joseph’s example is a life worth celebrating on stage.

“We want to entertain people, but we also want people to see how God used Joseph,” Thurber said. “We want people to come out and enjoy some good music but also get a spiritual message.”

Joseph Mangiola, 14, plays the lead of Joseph. Diane Thurber, right, is one of the narrators.

Bruce Landis portrays the Potiphar.