The city arts council is showing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for the summer theater production. I am involved with the arts council in a round-about way. I do the office stuff. I make copies, schedule the building, and make sure the reimbursements and bills are paid, and get the contract put together with the biggies in New York so that we have the copyrights to do the shows, and I recruit my kids to come and help at the ticket box office.
I saw Joseph the first time, at Tuacahn I think, and many times since. Tazia was one of the brother's wives at her high school production. But since the first time have seen it a myriad of times. I love that show and actually it helps explain why the brothers turn on Joseph which I didn't understand from reading it in the bible. Jacob obviously didn't see the danger in doting on Joseph and voicing that he was his favorite and then giving him a beautiful coat of many colors. My mom and dad used to debate about how Joseph got into Egypt. My mom said that the brothers sold him into Egypt, and my dad said that the brothers sold him to some Ishmaelites, who then sold him into Egypt. They called me in to solve the debate and I was not going to side with either of them. I just read what it said....Joseph was sold to Ishmaelites....and according to the musical, my dad was right.
The costumes, sets, and the acting are surprisingly excellent. You know when you see excellence because you tear up and it takes your breath away for a few seconds. Each show that the arts council puts on hits the excellence mark and continues to move up the excellence yardstick.
Joseph faced many disappointing times and was in jail a long time, and in service for an even longer time, but HF had a plan for him. I believe that HF has a plan for all of us. I don't believe that we have to bungle through this life alone.
When you see the courage and strength of someone else it gives you courage. Even this Broadway version of a bible story gives me courage and strength I need.
One of my cousins posted this on FB yesterday: "This is for someone out there - God asked me to post this for you! Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1." I am sure she posted this for me.
And so I take courage from people around me that I see have struggled and are still struggling with life. Because I still struggle. Joseph, you are my hero.
