What’s recently happened?
Close every door so you can listen to the amazing soundtrack of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” on repeat. Chesterton High School (CHS) recently put on a production of this Bible-inspired musical with a diverse cast, combining children from first through eighth grade in the children's choir in addition to 50 high school students participating in this performance.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is a musical that reimagines the story of Joseph from “Genesis,” a book of the Bible. The first act explains how Jacob has twelve sons yet favors his son Joseph over the others. To display his deep love for Joseph, Jacob gives him a coat of many colors.
Due to their jealousy, Joseph's brothers attempt to end his life. When this backfires, his brothers sell Joseph into slavery and lie to the rest of the family that Joseph is dead. Joseph is taken as a slave to Egypt to Potiphar, the captain of the Pharaoh's guard. Unfortunately for Joseph, he is thrown into jail due to the attraction Potiphar's wife has for him.
Once Joseph is in jail, he is alongside two other prisoners who served the Pharaoh. Joseph utilizes his ability to interpret dreams and tells the Butler that he will be freed from his sentence and be able to serve the Pharaoh once more. As for the Baker, Joseph shares that he will be executed. Entering the second act, the Pharaoh begins to have dreams that he does not understand. The Butler explains Joseph's ability to the Pharaoh, and this causes Joseph to become the Pharaoh's right hand man.
Later on in Act II, Joseph's brothers are without food, so they travel to Egypt for any possible sustenance. The brothers do not realize who Joseph is, and they beg for food. Joseph gives them sacks of food, but places a golden cup in one of the brothers’ sacks. As the brothers are about to leave, Joseph has them empty their sacks and accuses them of stealing.
Joseph's brothers ask him to free their brother who was caught for stealing, and let the rest of them serve in his place. Joseph realizes the change of heart his brothers have, and they reconcile, sending for their father so they can be together again.
“It was a crazy experience because of how fast-paced it is and how much information there was to learn in such a short amount of time,” said Senior Ian Condes, one of two actors who played Joseph.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” incorporated quirky setting changes via a digitized background. With transitions from the dusty West to sophisticated Paris, the audience was able to feel like part of the production. The acting also added a layer of comedy through the physical movements, the wearing of berets, and the delightful absurdity of the sudden scene change. Audiences were shocked to see the introduction of Elvis. Nevertheless, the appearance of the famed rock-and-roll star intensified the event’s ardor.
The choreography was definitely a highlight of this musical production. The synchronous movements helped to solidify the feeling of being grounded in the world painted through the theatrical elements.
“There were definitely points where I thought it wasn’t going to come all together , but I thought it went really well in the end,” said Condes.
Despite the eccentric style of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” the imperative message and morals of familial love lie within the foundation of this performance.
What’s coming up?
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Chesterton High School’s annual Madrigal Dinners. The dinners will be held in the CHS cafeteria from December 2 to December 4. The cafeteria will be extensively decorated to alter the interior, making it appear as the "Greate Hall.”
The dinner consists of chicken, mashed potatoes, salad, a relish tray, bread rolls, dessert, and a traditional English beverage called wassail. Gluten-free and vegetarian plates are also offered per request during ticket purchase.
The event is hosted by Chesterton High School’s Music Department, with CHS’s music students adopting medieval roles. The students will be dressed in Elizabethan-era costumes, as the feast is set during the 16th century. The cast is composed of roughly 100 students who will serve and sing during the six performances amidst the feast. This production is brought to the community through Vincent Arizzi, Jonathan Flodder, Brian Grenier, Matt Christensen, Kristin Morris, and Laura Alonzo.
Tickets will be sold only online. The sale will continue until Friday, December 2, or until the tickets have all been sold. To purchase any remaining tickets or to view the showing times, visit this link: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/68358.
Staff spotlight:
Jacob Lukach is an English and newspaper teacher at Chesterton High School. He teaches English 10, English 11, and Novels – a senior English course.
“Students get a lot of choice reading. We study literary criticisms: Marxist criticisms, biographical criticisms, feminist criticisms, archetypal criticisms, a lot of different literary lenses and ways of reading rather than just reading through what’s happening,” Lukach said.
Lukach spent part of his teaching career in Oklahoma, where he taught as a middle school teacher. While in Oklahoma, he taught a course called Literacy which was a supplementary class focused on project-based learning with a heavy emphasis on grammar.
Currently, Lukach contributes to CHS through his work as a class sponsor and prom coordinator. He also coaches basketball for the A Team at Chesterton Middle School.
“I’ve enjoyed my first few years as a coach there at the middle school and in doing with all of my roles really with Chesterton and the Duneland School Corporation, and specifically Chesterton High School,” Lukach said.
Student spotlight:
Freshman Zach Marchese is involved with both baseball and debate at Chesterton High School. He currently plays baseball only with the school but hopes to expand his involvement with the sport.
“It’s a very interactive sport, especially with the coaches. There’s a lot of practice, and we’ll have winter conditioning soon,” Marchese said.
Additionally, Marchese also participates in CHS Debate. More specifically, policy debate where he is able to utilize partnerships.
Marchese looks forward to the opportunities that post-high school life will bring.