Kids Choir members (from left) Lily Kivens, 7, from Savage, Anna Frisbie, 13, from Minneapolis and Andrew Henrichsen, 11, from Apple Valley learn choreography during rehearsal for the Chameleon Theatre Circle production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Thursday evening, March 2. (Scott Theisen/Sun Newspapers)

Trying to bring edgier theater productions south of the river, The Chameleon Theatre Circle comes toward the end of its eighth season with a show that's anything but edgy.

But, Nigel Linden, the president of TCTC, said that shows like "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," which opens a three-weekend run at the Lakeville Area Arts Center March 24, are a necessity.

"We've tried to bring real art to the suburbs and bring consciousness to the community through performing arts," said Linden, "That kind of work does not sustain itself financially. We try to put up shows at least once a year that are more family oriented that bring in revenue to fund the other projects. We see Lakeville as the ideal venue for family oriented shows."

Linden said that biblically based shows have been successful.

"We've done 'Godspell' and 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and both brought in a good audience," he said. "Joseph fits the bill that way. It's a fun show that's popular and something that people like. We want to sell seats and do something in the community that has high quality."

"Joseph" is the first show that TCTC is performing at Lakeville's Art Center. Garrick Dietz, the play's director, said the show is taken directly from the Old Testament where Joseph was sold into slavery because his brothers don't like that he's the favored son.

"Working at LAAC has been great," Dietz said. "Typically in other venues, we've had to move our set in and out each night."

Linden said that the company has lived a nomadic existence.

"We've done a lot at Kenwood Middle School [in Lakeville] mostly because it's available and it fits in our price range," Linden said. "But ultimately, we'd like our own space.

"We're focused on that as a long-term goal. We know we can't constantly move and expect our audiences to follow us."

TCTC also has performed at the Apple Valley and Eagan community centers, as well as had performances in the Minneapolis Fringe Festival.

The 2006-07 season, TCTC's ninth season, has been scheduled. The fall show will be "Shadow Box," the spring musical is "Evita" and the summer Shakespeare play is "The Tempest."

Dietz said that TCTC has kept its core audience, despite not having a regular home.

"It's small, but loyal, and we're constantly trying to expand it," Dietz said. "I think 'Joseph' is a good way to expand."

What:The Chameleon Theatre Circle's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"

When:Friday-Sunday, March 24-26, March 31-April 2, April 7-9. Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m., Sunday performances at 2 p.m.

Where:Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave.

Tickets:$15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, or by phone at 952-985-4640 during weekday business hours.

Information:www.seetheatre.org

Dietz said that TCTC has kept its core audience, despite not having a regular home.

"It's small, but loyal, and we're constantly trying to expand it," Dietz said. "I think 'Joseph' is a good way to expand."

What:The Chameleon Theatre Circle's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"

When:Friday-Sunday, March 24-26, March 31-April 2, April 7-9. Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m., Sunday performances at 2 p.m.

Where:Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave.

Tickets:$15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, or by phone at 952-985-4640 during weekday business hours.

Information:www.seetheatre.org