For the BHS drama club, the classic timelessness of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat is part of the appeal.

The play will be presented this weekend at 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:00 p.m. Sunday.

In an email interview, director Taylor Mortensen explained why she chose the show. 

“I have been a fan of Joseph and Andrew Lloyd Webber for years,” Mortensen wrote. “Having created other great works like Phantom of the Opera, Cats, School of Rock…  his music is so iconic.” 

Mortensen acknowledged that Joseph is a departure from other plays that have been produced on the BHS stage in recent years. 

“This might be the oldest show we have produced at Beachwood, but it translates so well to the modern era,” she said. “It is two hours of pure escapism that’s great for all ages.”

The musical tells the story of the biblical Joseph, a young man betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, who eventually rises to power in Egypt. Despite its biblical origins, the production is highly accessible.

“It’s very fun and very energetic,” said sophomore Eli Ward, who plays Joseph. “The energy of the cast and the show… It’s very fun.”

Unlike many past productions at Beachwood, the script of  Joseph is made up entirely of songs with no spoken parts, something that has pushed the cast in new ways.

 “This is the first show we’re doing where it is entirely music,” Ward said. “It’s just going to be a very different experience compared to what you’d be used to seeing as an audience member.”

Mortensen said this difference has brought new challenges.

“We spent a lot of time learning the music and harmonies that are so iconic,” Mortensen wrote.

Ward also emphasized the difficulty of the music and choreography. 

“We’re amping it up and up every show,” Ward said. “This show has really surprised me with how difficult it is and how well we’re executing as a cast.”

For junior Maya Katz, who plays multiple roles including Asher, who is one of Joseph’s brothers, as well as a guard, the fast-paced nature of the show is especially demanding. 

“It’s honestly really hard,” Katz said. “I have to make quick changes; I’m wearing intricate items that I need to rip off.”

Switching between characters requires constant adjustment. In addition to switching costumes, it requires switching identities, demeanor and attitude.

“With the guard and Asher, I would have to switch character from being like a little bit more loose with my brothers to being more stoic,” Katz said.

Despite the challenges, she describes the overall experience as rewarding. 

“It’s been a really fun and energetic time for all of us and we love it,” Katz said.

The production also stands out for its variety of musical styles, something both the director and cast have embraced.

“We took each song one by one and talked about the style and humor or emotion that we want to bring out in each,” Mortensen wrote.

Ward echoed that approach, noting how different songs require different performance choices. 

“We just take into account all the little things that make that style of music special,” Ward said.

Visually, the show promises to be just as dynamic. Mortensen highlighted the level of detail behind the scenes.

 “For me personally as the director, I spent many months hand [sewing] the coat of many colors,” Mortensen wrote.

Beyond the spectacle, Mortensen explained how the production is grounded in a meaningful message.

“The message of this show at its core is forgiveness,” she wrote. “Joseph’s own family betrays him and he chooses to embrace them anyway.”

Katz is very excited for people to come see their performance of such an iconic show and feel the energy that the cast has been feeling for weeks.

“It’s a really fun musical,” she said. “It’s a family friendly show for everybody.”

Mortensen agrees.

“It’s campy, funny, lighthearted and so colorful,” she wrote.

After months of preparation, Ward explained that the cast feels ready to bring the production to life. 

“We’ve put a ton of effort into it,” he said. “We just feel so well prepared and confident in this show.”

Mortensen hopes to see a full house this weekend.

“We hope our Beachwood student body will come out to support the show,” she wrote. “I promise you’ll love the show.”