Michael Kihm, administrator of The Rotary Club of Hamilton, said the production is slated as a major fundraiser for The Rotary Club of Hamilton, which has about 125 active Rotarian members and one honorary member.
“The proceeds of these plays, all prior 63 years and this year, go toward college scholarships. Annually, we give away a minimum of $10,000, whether the play is a success or not, and most of them have been. Last year, I think we took in $13,500 as a net profit,” Kihm said.
Rotary Club of Hamilton provides about $10,000 in scholarships to students in Hamilton area every year. The club also honors requests that go through their philanthropy committee and they give out another $5,000 that is provided to local charitable organizations.
Additionally, Rotary supports the Salvation Army, providing Christmas gifts to children in the community, hosts several science fairs in the Hamilton City School District, provides dictionaries to all third graders in the City each year, and more. They also support a high school student exchange program, where students have an opportunity to study abroad.
“This is a family-friendly show. The production itself is really popular, and we’re looking forward to it being a hit,” Kihm said.
As far as the actors, and singers, I think we have some top-notch talent right here in Hamilton, he said.
The show is directed by Kevin Brunck. Barb Winkler and Jane Winkler serve as the producers. David Hurt plays the title character, Joseph.
There are nearly 60 actors in the cast, including 15 children, and more than 100 volunteers, including the participating Rotarians, who do the set construction, sell tickets and program ads, serve as ushers, and do a lot of behind the scenes work.
“This has been one of my favorite shows. The music is so good, and the story is great. It’s such an entertaining show. Rotary has never done it,” said Jane Winkler.
“This is the fourth Rotary show that Barb and I have produced. We are very happy to support Rotary. Rotary does so much good work by giving dictionaries to children, the science fairs, and the scholarships. They do a lot for the community. It always makes us happy to give back, and to do what we can,” she said.
Barb Winkler said the show is a musical based on the “coat of many colors” story of Joseph from the Bible’s Book of Genesis.
“This is one of the most entertaining shows anyone could ever go see. It’s all music, different kinds of music, and dancing,” she said.
Contact this contributing writer at gmwriteon@aol.com.
How to go
What: Rotary Presents "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"
Where: Miami University Hamilton, Parrish Auditorium, 1601 University Blvd., Hamilton.
When: Wednesday, March 15, through Sunday, March 19. Show times are at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Cost: $16. Tickets are available in advance by calling Carol Christian at (513) 348-5372, or at the door, if available. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.hamiltonohiorotary.com.
More info: For more about Rotary, go online to www.hamiltonohiorotary.com.
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