James Lombardino, Charleston Stage’s Professional Resident Actor reflects on playing the role of Joseph in Charleston Stage’s season opener Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Q: Throughout the action of the story, Joseph transforms from a naive boy to the responsible ruler of a nation. Can you identify one major turning point for his character and do you feel the change is a natural progression?
A: I think Joseph has two main turning points during the course of the show. The first turning point happens when Joseph realizes that his brothers have betrayed him, and never really liked him in the first place. Joseph has an overwhelming gift and doesn’t yet realize how to use it. This gift leaves him feeling isolated and alone. It also causes many unfortunate events to happen to him.
The second turning point comes as Joseph has a chance to revenge against his brothers for their betrayel. After having been dealt so many bad cards in life, Joseph realizes that revenge is not the answer to peace and happiness and decides to grant his brothers grace.
I believe that all of the progressions Joseph goes through, although much more dramatic at times than real life, are natural in nature. We all have turning points where we must choose the positive road or the negative.
(James Lombardino singing “Close Every Door”)