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.”
If you’ve been to a Community Theatre of Howell show in the last 10 years or so, chances are pretty good you’ve seen Jack Shepard on stage.
He’s been in nearly two dozen shows, and he’s back on stage in CTH’s current production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” playing one of Joseph’s scheming brothers, Isaachar.
As to how he got involved in the group, “In the spring of 2006, I was curious about the auditions for ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,’ because Joanne Saoud, who had taught drama to my children, was the director,” Shepard said. “Joanne and the co-director, Rebecca Dilworth, picked me to perform as Erronius. When Rebecca called me to tell me that I had gotten the role, I told her that she was kidding me. I was hooked. Since that time, I have performed in 20 CTH shows, usually in a supporting role, and enjoy being on stage.”
A 79-year-old retiree, Shepard and his wife Carol live in Howell. He has a son, Dean Shepard, and a daughter, Michelle Lynch.
He said that of all the CTH roles he’s had, his first one is still his favorite.
“My favorite role was Erronius,” Shepard said. “I have enjoyed many other roles; they are all enjoyable. I could not believe that acting could be so much fun. Although it is time-consuming and at times difficult, theater people are wonderful. My wife always has to hear me say, ‘How do they remember all these lines?’”
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. Shepard said he loves the show.
“‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ takes a known Biblical story and it puts it to joyful music and adds some silliness that makes it fun to be in,” he said.
“I like the role of a brother, Isaachar, because it puts me on stage during the pivotal times of Joseph’s experience in his role in this production. And, I can tell people, ‘See, I really am a song and dance man.’”
With opening night coming up next weekend, Shepard said it’s been great to be back with his CTH family for this production.
“CTH provides me a social network and a constructive outlet during ‘set build,’” he said. “The sets that they build are truly beautiful and add to the theatrical experience. One set piece that itself got its own applause was the engine that came out on stage during ‘The Music Man.’”
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.
