Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was playwright Andrew Lloyd Webber's first success, though it is often overlooked because of his later hit plays such as Cats and Phantom of the Opera.

The comic operetta, detailing the biblical exploits of Joseph and his family, will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in Schwab Auditorium. The event is presented by the Penn State Thespians.

Andy Allis (sophomore-advertising), who plays the title role in the play, said the show has been a growing experience.

"I've been involved in some other Thespian shows, and this one has been different just because it's all music. And you have to get the point across all through music -- there are no spoken words," Allis said.

Allis has previously appeared in Thespian productions of Hair and A Chorus Line.

Joseph director Eric Blume (senior-English / film) said one of the things he enjoys most about the play is that it is an ensemble piece where everyone has a lot to do.

"I also liked that it is all music and that even in the most basic blocking you could sometimes put choreography in," Blume said. "I got to work so much with the choreographers and vocal directors, and they were just so incredibly supportive. It was definitely a collaborative effort in a big way."

Kathy Kurtz (senior-general arts) and Keren Golden (junior-general arts and science) choreographed Joseph, while Julie Heron (junior-advertising) and Jay Dzigas (senior-earth and mineral science) were vocal instructors, Blume said. He added that publicity director Amy Teuteberg (senior-film) also provided many helpful suggestions throughout the production.

"I definitely feel it's going to be a really good show because it's from everyone's heart and the cast is giving their all," Blume said. "It's coming from one energy and one heart and that's probably what's going to make it a success."

Blume joined the Thespians two years ago, and has since participated in productions of Hair, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and A Chorus Line. He has also written two plays that were performed by the Thespians, although Joseph will be his directing debut.

"It's a really fun show," Allis said. "It's been a great experience (because) I think I've grown a lot just in terms of voice."

He said that because of the amount of singing involved for the parts of Joseph and the narrators --they sing in practically every scene --the nightly rehearsals, 6:30 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, helped build his endurance.

"I've never had voice lessons, so I think my voice has gotten used to it." Allis said. "But luckily we're using body mikes for the show --the narrators and I and another character."

Allis added that singing his part was initially a strain for him because Joseph is a tenor part and he has a baritone voice.

However, Allis said the strains on individual performers do not affect the atmosphere during rehearsals, which he said remained surprisingly intense despite the comical nature of the play.

"The people in Thespians, they're just great. It's a lot of fun, but some of the rehearsals have been more serious," Allis said. "All the people involved are peers, so you can kid around, but generally the attitude has just been 'Let's get serious and get done.' Then afterwards we'll either go to the hot tubs and the (College) Diner or something."

Allis said audiences should expect plenty of dancing, great costumes, impressive sets and, of course, the lively musical numbers ranging from country western to French cabaret to rock 'n' roll styles.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat premiered in London in 1974 and appeared on Broadway in 1982. Tim Rice, who later worked with Webber on Evita and Jesus Christ, Superstar, wrote the lyrics.

"The play has an upbeat message, but I think a lot of times we're trying to express our message more so than some other productions," Allis said. "It's that whether you're Joseph or anybody, don't be afraid to go for your dreams, and hold on to them, and to keep following your destiny."

Tickets for the performance cost $6 and are available at the Hetzel Union Building information desk.