It may not be possible to make a living as an actor in East Peoria. But as Aaron Wargo, director of Eastlight Theatre’s annual production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat knows, it is possible to make a life. After more than 30 years, community theater has become his passion.

Under the direction of Wargo and Musical Director Cammilla Russell, an entirely new cast will present eight performances of Joseph Dec. 5-14 at the Byron Moore Auditorium, East Peoria Community High School. This year will mark 30 continuous years that the beloved musical will brighten the holiday season for theatergoers throughout the region. The only break was two years during the COVID pandemic.

“Joseph is such a fun show to be a part of, whether you are an actor or directing as I am doing now,” Wargo said.

Joseph is a musical reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, 11 brothers, and a coat of many colors. It is the last of four shows produced by Eastlight in 2025. Others included Ride the Cyclone, Frozen, and Guys and Dolls. 2026 productions have not yet been announced.

Founded in 1992 with an intergovernmental agreement between the City of East Peoria, the Fon du Lac Park District, and East Peoria Community High School, Eastlight Theatre’s focus is on Broadway musicals, and most of the talent — actors, vocalists, costume designers, set designers, musicians — are from the region. Wargo said one couple is driving from Canton to be in Joseph. He said the oldest cast member this year is 70.

“Community theater really is a community,” he said. “It’s all about working together and putting on the best show you possibly can.”

The collaboration and commitment needed for a production like Joseph is impressive, especially considering that virtually everyone involved is a volunteer. Wargo said auditions take place two or three months before the show dates. Rehearsals can be as many as four evenings a week (in the case of Joseph) for two hours or more each evening. And that doesn’t even include the time performers spend outside of rehearsals learning lines and music on their own. There are even actors and support people volunteering for more than one production at the same time. In the end, 24 actors, a children’s choir, and dozens of backstage volunteers contribute hundreds of hours to bring the show to life each year.

Wargo calls Joseph “a fun tradition” that is fast-paced, colorful, and exciting, but he said the storyline is easy for anyone to follow. He knows Joseph enthusiasts who have come to the show every year for more than 20 years. He encourages everyone to continue their family tradition, or begin a new one, by catching this year’s unique production.

Another well-known Eastlight Theatre program is The Penguin Project. Established in 2004, The Penguin Project provides an opportunity for children with disabilities to explore their creative talents. Young artists with developmental disabilities are paired with a dedicated group of “peer mentors” who are the same age but without disabilities. They work side-by-side through months of rehearsals and a final public performance. The Penguin Project has evolved into a national program, with chapter sites throughout the United States.

A Washington native, Wargo grew up and went to school in Peoria and Peoria Heights, graduated from Bradley University, and now works full-time in the insurance industry. He said his first stage experience was a Christmas pageant in 1999. Since then, he has been able to satisfy his passion at community theater companies throughout the region.

“I love performing, I love being on stage and entertaining people,” he said. “But the thing that keeps me coming back is that I have so much fun with the people. Theater people are some of the best people you are going to meet. I know that if I ever need anything, I can reach out and count on them.” 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs from Dec. 5-7, and Dec. 10-14. All shows are at 7:30 p.m. except Dec. 7 and Dec. 14, which are 2 p.m. matinees. Tickets are available online at tickets.eastlighttheatre.com, at the theater box office at 2200 E Washington Street, and one hour before the show at the East Peoria High School box office. Call (309) 699-SHOW (7469) for specific box office opening times. Group sales are available. Volunteer information and more on The Penguin Project is at eastlighttheatre.com.