From now until opening night on Nov. 3, the Livingston Post will be profiling cast members of the Community Theatre of Howell’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
Be prepared for the audience to roar when Brent Bishop takes the stage this weekend and next in CTH’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Because if there’s ever been a scene-stealing role in all of musical theater, it’s the Pharaoh in this show.
Bishop’s character name is “Pharaoh,” but it might as well be “Elvis,” because that’s what the character is. Pharaoh shows up after Joseph has been sold into slavery by his brothers, and in full Elvis fashion, the Egyptian King recruits Joseph to save his people from famine.
Bishop has been enjoying every last second of playing the part.
“Playing Pharaoh as Elvis has been a fantastic experience,” he said. “It will be hard topping this role for me as I’m a true fan of The King.”
The general manager of Corporate Dining Services for Mercedes Benz Financial Services, Bishop lives in Howell with his wife Bridget and their kids, Rebecca, 18, and Nic, 15. It was his family that got him hooked on CTH in the first place.
“This is my fourth production with CTH, and I’m following in the footsteps of my children, Becca and Nic,” Bishop said. “Watching them develop lasting friendships while having amazing experiences has inspired me to share that with them.”
Bishop will be a familiar face to audiences that have attended CTH’s big-stage musicals the last couple years. In 2015, he played George Banks in “Mary Poppins,” and he followed that up last fall by playing Maurice in “Beauty and the Beast.”
“CTH has blessed me in many ways,” Bishop said. “Playing George Banks in ‘Mary Poppins’ was special because I got to share the stage with my son, Nic. And my role in last year’s production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was awesome because it allowed me to just have fun, which is what the theater experience is really about.”
With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is based on the Biblical tale of Joseph, found in the book of Genesis. Bishop loves the show.
“This is a true musical with minimal dialogue and a basic set, so the show flows incredibly well,” he said. “And the musical talent in this production is incredible. It’s been a fun to be a part of this.”
And for the third straight autumn, he’s loved being back on the CTH stage.
“The people are the best thing about CTH,” he said. “It’s a big reason why I keep coming back year after year. Watching this cast and crew develop an amazing production has been the best part. And it always amazes to see all the things that go on behind the scenes to get us to opening night!”
The Community Theatre of Howell’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” takes the stage Nov. 3-5 and 10-12 at the Howell High School Freshman Campus, 1400 W. Grand River Ave. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday each weekend.
Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, available at Finding Roots in Howell, Kahuna Coffee in Hartland, Maria’s School of Dance in Fowlerville, Big Acre in Brighton, and Ed Bock Feed and Seed in Pinckney. Tickets are also available by calling 517-545-1290, or online at cththeatre.org. You can buy tickets by clicking here.
Photo by Richard Lim Photography. Click here for more information.
