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Of twelve sons, Joseph is the eleventh and obviously his father's favorite. He is sold as a slave by his brothers because of his ability to explain people's dreams. When the pharaoh calls on him to breakdown a dream, Joseph predicts a famine and is made the pharaoh's secondhand man. When the famine hits, Joseph's brothers come to him for relief and have to pass a test to prove they've changed before he'll forgive them.

Although acting usually as a group, Joseph's eleven brothers each have their own different personalities, talents and flaws. As a group they sell Joseph into slavery, but as individuals they deal with the following years and how they make amends. They sing and dance their way through many situations and places.

Here's a closer look at Joseph's brothers:

• Reuben - Eldest son of Jacob; shows kindness to Joseph and has his life saved when his other brothers would have put him to death.
• Simeon - Second son of Jacob; detained by Joseph in Egypt as a hostage.
• Levi - Third son of Jacob, by Leah; goes with Jacob into Egypt.
• Judah - Fourth son of Jacob; he pleads with Joseph when Benjamin is falsely arrested for theft of a goblet.
• Dan - Fifth son of Jacob; the tribe of Israel is descended from him.
• Naphtali - Sixth son of Jacob, by Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid.
• Gad - Seventh son of Jacob, by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; brother of Asher.
• Asher - Eighth son of Jacob.
• Issachar - Ninth son of Jacob.
• Zebulun - Tenth son of Jacob; has three sons.
• Benjamin - Twelfth son of Jacob. Joseph accuses him of stealing the golden cup. After Joseph goes missing, Benjamin becomes the beloved one.

 Awards and nominations

1982 Tony Awards

• Best Musical (Nomination)
• Best Book of a Musical - Tim Rice (Nomination)
• Best Original Score - Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Tim Rice (Nomination)
• Best Featured Actor in a Musical - Bill Hutton (Nomination)
• Best Featured Actress in a Musical - Laurie Beechman (Nomination)
• Best Choreography - Tony Tanner (Nomination)

1992 Olivier Awards

• Best Revival of a Musical (Nomination)
• Best Actor in a Musical - Jason Donovan (Nomination)
• Best Actress in a Musical - Linzi Hateley (Nomination)
• Best Director of a Musical - Steven Pimlott (Nomination)
• Best Set Designer - Mark Thompson (Winner)
• Best Theatre Choreographer - Anthony Van Laast (Nomination)

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is presented through an exclusive arrangement with R & H Theatricals and The Really Useful Group Limited. www.rnh.com.