The holidays are about to get a little more colorful in the Milwaukee Theater District. Beginning Friday, November 14, Skylight Music Theatre opens its highly anticipated production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", running through December 28 on the Cabot Stage in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.

This production carries special meaning for Skylight’s artistic director, Michael Unger, who directs the show. For Unger, Joseph… is more than just a beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, it’s personal. His wife, Broadway performer Janet Metz, starred as the Narrator opposite Donny Osmond on the North American tour of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat", connecting Skylight’s production to the musical’s storied past.

The cast of Skylight Music Theatre's Joesph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat gathered in a room with brick walls and exposed wooden beams. They are seated and standing close together, posing for a group photo. The atmosphere appears friendly and cheerful, suggesting a team meeting, rehearsal, or workshop setting.

“It is extra joyful when the work of the present can be so informed by the work of the past,” Unger shared. “Janet has played the Narrator three times, the last time at a theatre I started in Newtown, CT. Our beautiful twins and our adorable puppy were in that production, so this show is near and dear to my heart. Although Janet has not officially been part of this rehearsal process, her influence is felt — nearly the entire Skylight cast grew up listening to her voice on the cast recording. And she had a lovely conversation, Narrator to Narrator, with Laura Paruzynski who plays the role here. We’ve remained in touch with Donny throughout the years, and he is excited that we are doing the show at Skylight.”

That legacy will quite literally shine on stage. Actor Mason Hanizeski, playing Joseph, will wear a Technicolor® dreamcoat originally designed by Mark Thompson for the production starring Donny Osmond. This iconic piece of musical theater history adds a rare and authentic touch to Skylight’s production, creating a true full-circle moment.

Audiences can expect a visually stunning, family-friendly production filled with Webber and Rice’s timeless songs, imaginative staging, and a dynamic cast that includes over a dozen youth performers alongside beloved Skylight regulars and exciting debuts.

Skylight recently welcomed Sir Tim Rice himself to Milwaukee for An Evening with Sir Tim Rice, celebrating his legendary work as a lyricist. His visit left a lasting impression on the company and community alike.

“Tim repeatedly told us how much he enjoyed his time in Milwaukee,” Unger said. “He was wonderful to work with and incredibly generous with his time and stories. While he was here, he asked us when we were going to present Joseph... It is our honor to now stage one of his earliest works.”

Tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat and subscriptions for Skylight’s 25–26 season are on sale now at SkylightMusicTheatre.org.
 

Two people walking in front of Broadway Theatre Center, home of Skylight Music Theatre


Make It a Night in the Milwaukee Theater District

Before or after the show, take in the lights, dining, and energy of Milwaukee’s Theater District. Enjoy dinner at Saffron for modern Indian cuisine or Bavette La Boucherie for one of the city’s most celebrated dining experiences. Then, head up to The Outsider at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel for cocktails with stunning skyline views.
 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat is the perfect reason to gather family and friends for a night out celebrating great food, great company, and great theater in the heart of Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.