American Idol Vets Star in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo are starring in the touring company of the smash musical Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which will be performed at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) from November 4 through 9.
Young, who plays the lead role of Joseph, and DeGarmo, who plays the narrator, got their big break on the smash television singing competition, “American Idol.” DeGarmo was the runner-up on the show’s third season. Young was on the fifth season, where he finished seventh.
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice teamed up to bring Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to life. The story is based on the “coat of many colors” story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis. The show is directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler.
The chance to work on a stage production together had tremendous appeal to DeGarmo and Young, who are married.
“It’s such a rare opportunity in this industry to work on a show that’s family friendly,” DeGarmo told Motif. “It’s a beloved story, a beloved show. I truly believe it’s one of the classics.”
“This is definitely a dream come true (for DeGarmo),” Young said, noting DeGarmo always wanted to play the narrator in the show.
Young is proud to be part of a show that appeals to the “American Idol” fan base, which ranges from young children to senior citizens. “It’s a really great show about second chances and family and the true meaning of friendship,” Young said, noting the show’s high spirits are infectious: “Everyone’s on their feet having a blast with us.”
DeGarmo and Young have been very busy since their days on American Idol. DeGarmo appeared in HAIR (where she met Young), 9 to 5, Brooklyn: The Musical, Hairspray and The Toxic Avenger. DeGarmo also played the role of “Angelina,” a fan favorite on the number one daytime soap “The Young and the Restless.” In 2008, she released an acoustic EP “Unplugged in Nashville,” and recently released a Country EP “Live To Love,” composed of songs co-written with Young.
Young has worked with musical stars ranging from Brian McKnight to Desmond Child. He is a Grammy- nominated songwriter with number one hits in the U.S. and Sweden. Young also pursued a Broadway career, starring first in Grease and then in HAIR.
“I continually enjoy Diana’s first number in the second act (Pharoah’s Story),” Young said. “She just takes it and knocks the roof off.”
“I particularly love ‘Close Every Door,’” DeGarmo said. “We did a new song for this production, the ‘Prologue Reprise.’ We now have it as a duet between Ace and I. It’s an extra special treat and very unique.”
DeGarmo and Young have had a great time performing for audiences all over the country. Sometimes, things don’t always go as planned. “Our first performance the other night, one of the wigs for one of the brothers accidentally got put on sideways and nobody could look at him for the rest of the show. He looked kind of crazy.” DeGarmo recalled.
“People will like you for you,” DeGarmo said. “It’s hard in this entertainment industry to remember that. Especially with what we do now. We’re constantly putting on other characters and sometimes you feel you have to second guess yourself.”
“It’s your true moment to show exactly who you are,” Young adds. “And the world will think you are what they see so make sure that you truly are yourself on that show.”
Tickets are available for purchase online, by phone at 401-421-2787 , or at the PPAC Box Office located at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence.
The Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday, 10am to 2pm; and at least two hours prior to all curtain times.