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Local profile: Joseph Robert Doyel
Posted: Jan 02, 2008 in Culture
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It can be a simple smile or a big belly laugh.
Joseph Robert Doyel, 25, will take both and anything in between.
"From an early age I was drawn to being in front of people. It's just such a worthwhile feeling," said Doyel, who has returned to the Indianapolis Civic Theatre stage to reprise his role as Joseph in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" from the 2004-05 season.
"I remember my family standing up and applauding, and pretty soon the whole audience stood up. I got a standing ovation," said Doyel of his showstopper, "Close Every Door."
This time around, he brings a new intensity to the stage.
Longer hair
"Maybe I'm a little more mature. I'm in that formative stage where I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do as an adult, but I really am an adult," he said.
Another difference this time: Doyel has long hair, a hint of his life outside the theater.
When he's not waiting tables at MacNiven's Restaurant and Bar, Doyel performs as the lead singer and plays rhythm guitar with his rock band, The Last Good Year.
A native of Vincennes, Doyel graduated from Butler University, where he studied voice and theater.
He started playing drums in elementary school and took off for the East Coast after college to play in a show similar to "Stomp." His stage performances include "Art" and "Six Degrees of Separation."
Attracted to music
As long as he can remember, Doyel has loved music.
"My mom tells stories about me waking up in the middle of the night in my crib singing or running around to tables in the restaurant performing," he said. "I grew up listening to the Beatles and Led Zeppelin. I'm just drawn to music."
In addition to playing area clubs, Doyel and his band perform at fraternity parties. In his spare time he works crossword puzzles and hangs out with his basset hound, Louis.
"Every kid dreams of becoming a professional musician, but that's my goal right now"
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Where: Indianapolis Civic Theatre, 3200 Cold Spring Road.
When: Through Jan. 6. 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets: $34.
Info: (317) 923-4597; www.civictheatre.org.
-- By T.J. Banes
I took family and friends to see this production last Saturday evening. Simply put, there were no disappointments. The sound was good, the songs were fun and we were all impressed with Doyel's performance. But it didn't stop there. The entire cast seemed to really enjoy what they were doing which went a long way in bringing the audience into the story and fun of the evening. Bravo!
I directed Joe the first time he did the role for Civic when he was still in college at Butler. They are most fortunate to have him back. Truly a professional caliber performer for a non-pro theatre.