St. Michael-Albertville High School plans on performing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the fall of 2009. The director says he thought long and hard about choosing a show, but the issue clearly requires more thought. The approximate cast and pit requirements for Joseph are as follows: Cast: Principals: 6 men, 1 woman(this part may be broken into 2 or 3 parts) Features:11 men(2 parts may be played by women), 1 woman Ensemble:men and women's chorus, optional children's chorus Pit:2 reeds, 1 horn, 1 trumpet, 1 guitar, 1 bass guitar, 1 drum set, 1 percussion, 1 piano The above list shows a great need for men and very little opportunity for women. Considering the students at STMA likely to audition, it hardly seems a good fit. In addition, the pit requirements provide very little chance for the many band students who play more "classical" instruments to participate. Although Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a well known show that would most likely draw a large crowd, more important things should be taken into consideration. A high school musical should reflect the talent of the students and give as many of them as possible a chance to shine as part of the cast, pit, set crew, tech crew, or in other role. After all, if those involved can't do the show well and won't be proud of their hard work, then it doesn't make a difference how well known the show may be. It seems a more suitable option for STMA's 2009 fall musical would be Hello, Dolly, which was the admitted other choice. The cast and pit requirements give more students of both genders a chance to shine. Although it is not as well known, the storyline is very good, and it's a classic. For those of you who don't have any idea what Hello Dolly is about, it's the musical used in the animated movie Wall-e. The cast and pit requirements are below: Cast: Principals:3 men, 3 women Features:about 5 men, about 3 women ensemble:Chorus of men and women Pit:6 optional string, 4 reeds, 2 trumpet, 2 trombone, 2 percussion, 1 guitar, 1 piano This petition is a chance to get active in the St. Michael-Albertville arts community. If you really want to see the students of the STMA High School shine in the 2009 fall musical, please consider signing this petition and help make a difference.