Meet the “Joseph” cast: Rebecca Chan loves the unifying, creative experience that theater provides

//

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.”

She’s still just in high school, but Rebecca Chan already has 15 Community Theatre of Howell shows under her belt.

“When I was in middle school, I had some friends who were active at CTH, so I auditioned for ‘Shrek’ at the start of ninth grade,” Rebecca said. “Since then, I’ve been involved with about 15 shows, filling a variety of roles, including actress, assistant director, stage manager and lighting technician.”

In “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Rebecca plays Benjamin, the youngest of Joseph’s 11 brothers.

“I like this role because I portray a variety of moods and emotions, each with varying degrees of seriousness,” Rebecca said. “I go from joyful, to comically enraged, to comically sad, to earnestly sad, to whiny, to horrified, to joyful again. I enjoy varying facial expressions and gestures to convey these emotions and differ serious from comical.”

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.

“I like ‘Joseph’ because it’s fun,” Rebecca said. “It’s a lovely break from the melancholy of ordinary life. It’s bright, it’s colorful, it’s joyous. The music is upbeat, and the story is wholesome. Bringing this show to life doesn’t take much strife because the show is so lively by nature.

“My favorite part of the ‘Joseph’ experience has been developing a community,” she added. “I love every member of the cast, crew and staff. Each person cares so deeply about the show. No matter what life throws at us, we show face at rehearsal. Spending each evening with a compassionate, supportive cast builds my confidence and make each brighter.”

A Howell resident, Rebecca is a senior at International Academy West, and she has an older sister, Rachel.

CTH has been her second family for years, and she’s loved her many experiences with the group.

“I always enjoy volunteering at CTH’s summer camp,” Rebecca said. “I stage manage, but I also help the kids with memorizing lines, delivery, and blocking. One distinct experience occurred during ‘Mary Poppins’ (in 2015). I was tasked with helping Mary (Kelly Hayner) manage all of her props and costume changes throughout the show. It was interesting to be part of the cast, but also working alongside the crew backstage.”

And for Rebecca, being involved with CTH means much more than just the shows themselves.

“I love the performance arts, but more than that, I love CTH’s community,” she said. “In one night, I can having an engaging conversation with a 6-year-old, and then crack jokes with a 60-year-old. I enjoy hearing different perspectives and gaining a better understanding of others’ experiences.

“Theater unifies groups of individuals because when we arrive, we cast aside our life’s burdens to create something beautiful. With each rehearsal, we hone our craft and perfect our art. When the curtains rise, we offer the audience more than a spectacle. We provide hope – a sensation that one is not alone in human experience.”

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.

DON’T MISS A BEAT

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

We don’t spam!

Sharing is caring!