Steve Lowry plays the lead in the Sing Hosanna! production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" opening March 26 at the Succop Theater on the Butler County Community College campus.

Amazing progress is being made by the cast and crew of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," the latest production by Sing Hosanna! opening March 26 at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.

The musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber is the classic biblical tale of Joseph as found in the Bible in the book of Genesis, but with a spin that only Broadway could envision. For example, cast members wearing cowboy hats lament the missing son, and peace signs adorn some of the elaborate sets that will be used to mount this show.

Ralph Christy Jr. is the director for this production.

Staring in the role of Joseph is Steve Lowry, a sophomore at Slippery Rock University who hails from Beaver Falls. Lowry is no stranger to the stage nor to Joseph.

"I played Joseph in my high school production when I was a senior at Riverside High School," Lowry said. "Ralph called me and it was really ironic as I was missing theatre and hoped to get back into it, but I wasn't quite sure how or where."

Lowry, who juggles college and fronting a Christian rock band that tours, found the schedule doable since he was familiar with both the role and the music. "Really the fact that it is two days a week makes the drive down from SRU not that bad. When I get here, I just mesh right in because I've already gotten my part down from before," he said.

"I am enjoying it. It is like a family here, really welcoming," he said.

Lowry who has appeared in "The Music Man," "Oklahoma," "South Pacific" and "Grease" believes this musical has it all. "Joseph is amazing to do because you have all these different themes intertwined and you get to experience, reggae, country western, French and more. There is just amazing variety," he explained, noting that's what makes it fun for both performer and the audience.

Mary Cole-Simms of Butler Township is taking the stage again but this time with her three daughters.

"Last show I got to share the experience with two of my girls, this time all three will be on stage," she said.

Cole-Simms is one of five narrators that the director tapped to help move the story along. "Normally the show has one or two but Ralph put five of us in the play at various places based on our vocal range," she said. "The cast is primarily all male, having the five female narrators evens it out a bit."

New to the Sing Hosanna! family is Jim Macurak of Karns City. He is a machinist who decided to make use of the slow economy.

"Juggling work, life and everything makes it difficult to throw yourself into a show. Now that business is slow, I had the time," Macurak said.

Macurak been on stage in church productions and done some work in front of the camera for commercials, but he is taking the stage for the first time doing a musical.

"I've seen the show and thought it was great. When I auditioned I was told they needed 11 brothers, and I got the role of Simeon," Macurak said.

Macurak is not intimidated by the large amount of singing and dancing in the show, and actually finds it quite comfortable.

"I really enjoy the interaction with all the characters on stage and the feedback we'll get from the audience," he said.

Christy told his actors to bring a little of their own personality to their brother character.

"I enjoy having a good time and the cowboy era is the most fun for me to do," Macurak said. "I am bringing a somewhat silly, goofy side to my character during some of the scenes."

There are about 70 people in the cast, of which 25 are a children's chorus comprised of kids ranging from age 7 to 12. "The beginning of the show is going to be really interesting to launch the production," said Christy, who always manages to bring his own touches to each production.

"The children will also be utilized throughout the production but in a unique way during Joseph's moving song, "Close Every Door." he added.

An 11 piece orchestra made up of music teachers, students and community musicians will accompany the show with Christy conducting.

Tickets are available at May's Music Shoppe. Seats are not reserved.

<B>WHO: </B>Sing Hosanna!<B>WHAT: </B>"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"<B>WHEN:</B> 7:30 p.m. March 26 and 27 and 2 p.m. March 28<B>WHERE:</B> Succop Theater on the Butler County Community College campus<B>TICKETS: </B>$14; seats are not reserved. Tickets available at May's Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St.<B>INFORMATION:</B> 724-287-8362

Two of Joseph's brothers played by Jim Macurak, left, and Eric Snyder, right, throw Joseph, portrayed by Steve Lowry, into a pit at a rehearsal for "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." The musical will be staged March 26 to 28 at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.