DETROIT — The annual theater performance at Sacred Heart Major Seminary is a highlight of the academic year. But this year, there’s even more excitement in the air as the seminarians prepare to perform in the seminary’s newly renovated auditorium for the first time.
Sacred Heart will present Andrew Lloyd Weber’s beloved musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” on March 20 and 21.
For seminarians Logan Scott, Jonathan Forrest and Jacob Sasak, being the student directors of the musical in the new auditorium is a special honor. Among other benefits, the space features a state-of-the-art sound system, professional lighting, and new seats for guests to enjoy.
The cast and crew, with 17 seminarians in the all-male cast, began rehearsals last month.
“It’s a completely different atmosphere compared to last year,” Scott said. “The sound has been upgraded in the new auditorium, and the lighting system is incredible. Any color you can imagine, it has it. We’re still learning how to use it all.”
During last year’s renovations, the 2025 spring musical, “H.M.S. Pinafore,” was presented on the small stage in the seminary’s gymnasium.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is a natural choice for the seminary. With captivating music and clever storytelling, the musical retells the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. The show demands 13 male roles for Joseph, his father, and his 11 brothers alone.
In addition to the abundance of male roles, the family friendly production suits the Sacred Heart stage. Audiences will enjoy music and choreography that have made “Joseph” wildly popular since its Broadway debut in 1982.
“People might be surprised to learn that this is only the second time we’ve done ‘Joseph’ here,’” Scott said.
Scott is a seminarian with the Diocese of Kalamazoo; Forrest and Sasak are seminarians with the Archdiocese of Detroit. This is Scott’s third year in a directing role, after starting as assistant director during the seminary’s performance of “The Bluff” in 2024. He’ll be playing the role of Levi in this year’s cast — his first time on stage.
Fr. Brian Meldrum, assistant professor of theology and director of liturgy at the seminary, is advising this year’s production. Like Scott, when Fr. Meldrum was a seminarian at Sacred Heart, he was a student director and played Levi for “Joseph” in 2012.
Scott said the seminary’s musical productions are meant to enrich the formation experience at Sacred Heart. The annual spring performance allows attendees to meet the seminarians who will serve in their parishes one day.
“At the end of the day, the theater program here is meant to be a formative experience for us,” Scott said. “That makes this different than a community theater in that it helps us prepare for our life of ministry by giving us a unique outlet to use our various gifts and talents.”
Reserve your seats
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will be presented at Sacred Heart on March 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets are free and can be reserved here. Attendees who wish to do so may make a free will offering after the show.