“Joseph” on its way to San Diego

Morgan M. Hurley | Downtown Editor

“Broadway San Diego,” a local production group that brings the biggest and best Broadway plays to the West Coast for the enjoyment of San Diegans, brings yet another popular and star-studded musical our way.

Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” will hit San Diego’s Civic Theatre June 24 for a five-day run.

Also derived from a Biblical tale, “Joseph” was originally developed prior to Weber and Rice’s wildly popular “Jesus Christ Superstar,” but wasn’t fully produced for the stage until after the initial success of “Superstar.”

Though it never reached the same blockbuster status over the years as it’s sister musical, “Joseph” has continued as a popular mainstay on and off the Broadway musical circuit ever since with its non-stop musical and visual entertainment. Only a few words are spoken throughout the production, so musical purists will love “Joseph.”

Ace Young, a Top 7 finalist on American Idol’s fifth season, is currently touring with “Joseph” in the lead role.

Last year, Young married another American Idol alum, Diana DeGarmo. The two met while performing in “Hair” on Broadway, and DeGarmo is now again touring with Young, with a lead role of her own in “Joseph.”

We shot a few questions to Ace for him to answer in between shows, which we share with you below.

How long have you been acting and what got you interested in it?

I’ve loved acting my entire life. I feel that as children we really stretch our acting abilities by playing different characters every time we leave the house.

For example, if you have a fear of saying hello to other kids … it’s much easier to act like a friend that is strong in public situations by thinking, what would they do? After playing many different characters you can easily create the “you” that you want to be.

Were you familiar with the “Joseph” story?

I saw JOSEPH in Los Angeles ‘in the round’ with my grandparents 12 years ago. I was the third wheel on their date night. Lol.  Being the youngest of five boys I most definitely could relate to the story line. I remember walking out saying how much I loved the variety of music. It was a wonderful show for everyone because it was fast moving and action packed.

What attracted you to the role?

I’ve learned the story of JOSEPH in the Bible as a child. Being able to now play the part along side my wife in our first year of marriage is a dream come true.

What is your favorite scene?

Oh! Haha … This changes every show. The beautiful thing about musical theater is that every show is different. Last night my favorite moment was in the mega mix when the entire crowd stood and starting clapping along. I love my job!

Who inspires you?

Everyone inspires me. I can have a great conversation with a complete stranger. It’s amazing to me that I have already experienced so much life at such a young age.

What do you do in your off time during a production?

I am a creator. When I’m not playing the part of Joseph, my wife and I are writing and producing music, watching movies, and enjoying all the amazing food that our country has to offer.

Have you been to San Diego before?

I love San Diego! Amazing restaurants, great shopping, solid history and awesome entertainment! I am happy that we get to perform there for eight shows!

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” will be performed for eight shows (six evenings and two matinees) from June 24 – 29, at San Diego’s Civic Theatre, located at 1100 Third Ave. (at B Street), Downtown. For more information or tickets, visit broadwaysd.com.