(COVINGTON, La) — This year, the Marian Players will present “The Outsiders” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” for their fall play and spring musical productions, respectively.

Based on S.E. Hinton’s novel of the same name, “The Outsiders” follows two rival gangs, the Greasers and the Socs, in the mid 1960s.

“The Outsiders is always the most requested play every year, because most kids come in already having read it,” said Director Denny Charbonnet. “The message is wonderful. It’s to be true to yourself and to always see people for who they are.”

The Marian Players had planned to present “The Outsiders” last year, but due to choreographer and costume designer Elise Angelette’s breast cancer diagnosis at the time, the production was pushed back to this year.

“It’s crazy to think that this time last year we were getting her diagnosis,” Charbonnet said. “Now, she has her final surgery, and she’s totally cancer free. It’s all from the grace of God.”

Auditions for “The Outsiders” will be the week of Aug. 31, with the production occurring Nov. 10-15.

2009 Marian Players Production of "The Outsiders"

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“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” or “Joseph,” is a musical telling of the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, this musical comedy is almost entirely sung through.

“’Joseph’ has a phenomenal message,” Charbonnet said. “He was a true archetype of Jesus. It has a message of forgiveness, and it’s done in such a humorous way. It’s a show that speaks to everyone.”

“Joseph” auditions will be in October, with the show starting sometime in the spring, before Easter. For vocal auditions, Charbonnet recommends auditioners prepare a song.

At all play auditions, students will be asked to “cold read,” which means to read scenes directly from a script. Students will be able to read for two different characters.

Charbonnet encourages all to come out and audition, even if they have little to no experience. If interested in working a technical or backstage job, students are requested to go to auditions and talk to Charbonnet about crew opportunities.

For more information, e-mail Charbonnet at dennyc@stpauls.com

2008 Marian Players Production of "Joseph"

(file photos courtesy of the Marian Players)