AMERICAN IDOL's Melinda Doolittle Stars in Miracle Theatre's JOSEPH Thru April 9

American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle is starring in the Miracle Theater's Broadway-style production of Tim Rice's and Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" thru April 9.

Nashville is where she got her start in music attending Belmont University and later working as a background singer for stars such as Michael McDonald, Aaron Neville, CeCe Winans and gospel group Anointed before auditioning with three other friends for American Idol for Season 6.

Her father was a drummer, and she grew up listening to his record collection of R&B artists and music took root in her soul. Her debut album "Coming Back to You" was hailed by critics.

Doolittle is no stranger to the attractions in Pigeon Forge having visited before riding the go-carts and "having a blast." This will be her first time performing at the Miracle Theater and a recent visit to check out the facility left her impressed. "It's amazing; I love the attention to detail, everything is so beautiful," she told theater management.

"I am so excited!" she says of the run at the Miracle Theater. "I love shows that are out of the box. I like to have fun on stage and tell a great story that's funny and lively." In Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat she'll get an opportunity to interact with the audience as she takes on the role of the narrator. Although she's not seen "Joseph" performed live, she's watched the video and loved it. Her favorite part of the musical is watching the king playing Elvis. "It's amazing and hilarious," she adds.

Performing before an estimated 30 million viewers each night on "American Idol" was life changing. The experience took her from singing background vocals to taking center stage as a star in her own right. "Now I have my own background singers and doing things I thought I would never be able to do," she says.

She calls American Idol host, Simon Cowell, her "teddy bear." "He says what he thinks without using a filter. That makes you do the best you can do. I think he is wonderful."

Since leaving American Idol as a third-place finisher, Doolittle has been traveling with her band both at home and abroad. In June 2007, the Brentwood, Tenn., resident visited Zambia with first lady Laura Bush and the Malaria No More organization to distribute life-saving bed nets and raise awareness. Doolittle also supports the Ronald McDonald House program.

Her run at the Miracle Theater will offer an opportunity to visit with fans during a meet and greet event after each performance. Doolittle will take part in a Q&A session, pose for pictures and sign autographs for those who purchase a VIP pass.

Getting up close and personal with her fans is one of her favorite things to do. "I love to answer any questions," she says. "I enjoy sharing my life and what I have learned along the way." "Those hugs from fans are a nice bonus, too."

"I am really excited to be a part of this," Doolittle says of performing at the Miracle Theater. "I invite everyone to come out and make it an experience that they will remember for years to come."

Jim Hedrick and David Fee, co-owners of Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group which owns the Miracle Theater, says their company has invested millions in the production, even changing out the lighting rig for a more rock concert feel. Fee said even if audiences have seen a production of "Joseph" before, this one will top them all. "No expense has been spared," Fee says.

Fee Hedrick Entertainment, one of the largest show production companies in the southeast, also owns and presents 5 other major shows in the Smoky Mountain area including The Miracle, The Comedy Barn Theater, Blackwoods Breakfast Variety Show, Magic Beyond Belief, and the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner and Show.

Adult tickets for Joseph and The Miracle are $39.95 each plus tax. When purchasing a Joseph ticket, there will be an opportunity to add The Miracle matinee for only $9.95.

For each adult ticket a child 11 years old and younger is admitted free.

Cast members lead fifteen-minute backstage tours before both shows for $5. "Joseph" will be an 8 p.m. performance with "The Miracle" at 3 p.m. and both run through January 2011. For information, call 865-428-7469 or check out www.MiracleTheater.com.

Source: Miracle Theater