Arts & Entertainment

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Southern California’s premier theatre company, Musical Theatre West (MTW), is bringing a fresh new energy to one of Broadway’s most beloved family musicals as “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” takes the stage this summer at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center for select dates July 10 – July 26.

Starring Broadway performer and viral vocal sensation Brian Justin Crum in the title role, the production reimagines Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic musical through the lens of today’s pop culture, while remaining true to the heart of the timeless story.

“When Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote Joseph in 1968, he filled the score with references to the popular artists and sounds of that era,” said Larry Raben, director. “We’re honoring that same spirit by moving those influences into this millennium while still telling the classic story of Joseph. Audiences may spot a few fun nods to some of today’s biggest music icons, but at its heart, it’s still the same timeless story about believing in your dreams.”

While audiences can expect all of the beloved songs, colorful storytelling and uplifting themes that have made Joseph a favorite for generations, this production introduces a contemporary twist inspired by some of the biggest music icons of the last two decades. Director Raben has embraced that same creative spirit, updating those influences for modern audiences through subtle references and performance styles inspired by artists such as Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Adam Levine and other contemporary superstars.

Leading the cast is Broadway performer and viral vocal sensation Brian Justin Crum as Joseph. Known for his powerhouse vocals, electrifying stage presence, and appearances on Broadway and national television, Crum brings a modern pop-star energy to the role. Inspired in part by performers like Adam Levine, his portrayal embodies the confidence of today’s biggest entertainers while maintaining the vulnerability of a young dreamer.

“Joseph is every kid who’s ever stood in front of a bedroom mirror imagining they were a superstar,” said Raben. “Brian captures both the charisma and heart of the character in a way that feels incredibly relevant to today’s audiences.”

Joining Broadway performer and viral vocal sensation Brian Justin Crum as Joseph is Daebreon Poiema as the Narrator, whose powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence help guide audiences through Joseph’s remarkable journey. Kenneth Mosley takes on the dual role of Pharaoh and Simeon, expected to bring charisma, humor, and larger-than-life energy to some of the show’s most memorable moments, while Harrison White portrays both Jacob and Potiphar, delivering two distinctly different characters who play pivotal roles in Joseph’s story.

Together with a talented cast portraying Joseph’s brothers and other featured roles, the company delivers a fresh, contemporary take on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical while honoring the timeless spirit that has captivated audiences for generations.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will run July 10 - July 26 for select dates and times. Tickets are available for purchase by phone at (562) 856-1999 or online at musical.org. Fees may apply. Student rush tickets for $15 are available at the Box Office one hour prior to showtime, with a valid student ID. More information, a full line-up of performances, and additional details can be found at https://musical.org.

MTW 75^th Season

Musical Theatre West (MTW) has announced an expanded five-show season that will make up its milestone 75th year producing home-grown Broadway-caliber musicals. The diamond anniversary season features two beloved classics, two musicals that will receive their first professional Los Angeles production, and an unforgettable summer blockbuster for the whole family.

The 2027 Season kicks off Feb. 19, 2027 and runs through Dec. 19, 2027.

The season begins with “The Prince of Egypt” (Feb. 19 – March 7), the epic story of Moses based on the Academy Award winning Dreamworks film, followed by one of the most beloved and moving musicals of all time: “West Side Story” (April 9–25). Over the summer, professional child musicians/performers will take the stage “School of Rock” (July 9–25), then fresh off a successful Broadway run is “Kimberly Akimbo” (Oct. 8–24), the 2023 Tony Award winning musical about growing up and growing old in the most unconventional way. And in December, Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” (Dec. 3–19) returns to the Carpenter Center stage to close out the season in holiday fashion.

“We are so grateful to our supporters in Long Beach and throughout Southern California for making it possible to produce musical theatre for the last 75 years,” said Paul Garman, executive director/producer for MTW. “MTW’s community has banded together in support of our theatre, allowing us to not only survive, but thrive. In honor of our anniversary season, we’ve compiled a lineup of shows that honors our past while welcoming in the next generation of theatre goers, laying the groundwork for success in the next 75 years here at MTW.”

To celebrate the anniversary season, MTW has reformatted their Carpenter Center seating chart after several months of extensive research and consulting. This new chart will increase accessibility and fall in line with industry standards, with seats available at every price level in almost every row. An additional Saturday matinee has also been added to each production that will offer even more seating options.

In honor of its 75th anniversary, MTW has assembled one of its most ambitious and diverse seasons to date, featuring five unforgettable productions that showcase the very best of musical theatre:

The Prince of Egypt, LA Professional Premiere, Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Book by Philip LaZebnik. Feb 19 – March 7, 2027.

We’re kicking off our anniversary season with an epic tale featuring breathtaking, Academy Award winning music by “Wicked’s” Stephen Schwartz. Adapted from the 1998 Dreamworks animated film and the Book of Exodus, “The Prince of Egypt” follows Ramses and Moses, two young men raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege who find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and lead his people out of Egypt; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

West Side Story, Based on a Conception by Jerome Robbins, Book by Arthur Laurents, Music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Entire Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerome Robbins, April 9–25, 2027.

One of the most influential musicals ever written, West Side Story is a timeless tale of love, hope and a dream of something better. Originally created by theatre legends Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents, and Stephen Sondheim, this masterpiece will captivate you with its stunning choreography and unforgettable music, then leave you breathless with emotion by the final chord.

School of Rock, Based on the Paramount movie by Mike White, Book by Julian Fellowes, Lyrics by Glenn Slater, New Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, July 9–25, 2027.

Celebrate the next generation of performers and audiences with explosive energy and live music! Based on the hit 2003 comedy starring Jack Black, “School of Rock” follows a wannabe rock star who turns a class of straight–A pupils into a rock band, featuring brilliant young performers playing instruments live onstage. Featuring a rockin’ score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, “School of Rock” is a testimony to the transformative power of music.

Kimberly Akimbo, LA Professional Premiere, Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, Music by Jeanine Tesori, Based on the play by David Lindsay-Abaire, Oct. 8–24, 2027.

Winner of the 2023 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score! In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), 16-year-old Kimberly is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush … and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Based Upon the Paramount Pictures Film, Written for the Screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank, Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin, Book by David Ives and Paul Blake, Original stage production directed by Walter Bobbie, Dec. 3–19, 2027.

Close out our milestone year with this beloved holiday classic! Featuring 17 timeless songs by Irving Berlin, this heartwarming musical is the perfect way to count your blessings and celebrate the season with family and friends.

Performances for MTW’s 2027 Season will be held at The Carpenter Performing Arts Center located at 6200 E. Atherton St. Season subscription renewals are currently underway, with new subscriptions on sale now. Single show tickets will go on sale in October. For more information, visit musical.org or call (562) 856-1999.