THOMASTON — Watts Hall Community Theater's production team has cast a group of 40 local people, from ages 7 to 75, for this summer's show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Andrew Lloyd Webber's first musical. The theater group will once again draw on the talents of many members of the community to put the production together. Rehearsals have begun, but it isn't too late to become involved.

Director Daryl Hahn is looking for a few more folks to round out the team. Extras for on-stage parts, back stage crew members, tailors and seamstresses, a prop manager and those willing to head up refreshments for a night or two are still being sought. A crucial part of the production team's success involves the soliciting of sponsors and advertisers for the program. As she did last year, producer Ursula Kruse-Vaucienne, of Thomaston, will lead this effort and will need some help. Those interested in exploring any one of these ideas may contact Hahn at darylhahn@gmail.com.

"It is a very gratifying group effort," says Sheilagh Guyer, head costumer, who has been involved in community theater since her children, now in their 30s, were small. She and her team spend hours scouring the existing costume loft at Watts Hall for just the perfect costume for each performer. What they don't find in the loft, they "beg, borrow or steal" or convert from something made for another show, or make new. While Guyer heads up the sewing team, other creative types also work on sets, music, dancing and singing routines and specialty props.

In addition to Guyer, an early childhood special educator, a teacher is acting as set artist, an innkeeper has designed the set, a retired geologist is constructing part of the set and a local farmer is building special props. Local folks also volunteer their time as musicians, stage hands and those responsible for sound and lighting .

Susan Schleicher, one of the cast members from last year's production of The Music Man, commented that one of the best aspects of community theater is that all ages are involved and each person brings talent that, when added together, makes some pretty great magic on the stage. Susan and her 7-year-old daughter, Grace, will take part in the show again this year.

Performances will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 22-24, Friday, June 30, and Saturday, July 1.