Playhouse Merced is opening their new season with a production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” starring Turlock native Keaton Williams.

The show opens on Friday and will run through Sept. 19. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. for Sunday matinees.

The musical is a re-telling of the Biblical story of Joseph, who earned the ire of his brothers by being the favorite among their father. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rises up as a skilled dream interpreter.

The story is presented by a narrator and performed in a series of musical scenes by a large group of storytellers. 

“With an upbeat score written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, the show features a wide variety of musical styles; from country-western and rock and roll, to reggae and French ballad,” said Jim Kocher, the marketing manager for Playhouse Merced.

Williams, 20, has taken on several lead roles with the theatre since his first audition in 2008. He was seen last season at Playhouse Merced as Seymour in “Little Shop of Horrors” and is currently studying music, theater and dance at Modesto Junior College.

“Playhouse Merced has been really enjoyable,” Williams said. “The casts and crews I’ve worked with have been totally fun.  Sure, I’m driving from Modesto to do the show, but it’s totally worth it.”

Tickets for the show are $20 for adults; $17 for seniors; $10 for students; and $8 for children. The show is suitable for all ages. Tickets can be purchased by calling 725-8587 or visiting the box office at 452 W. Main St. in Merced.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.