American Idol finalist Anthony Fedorov to play “Joseph”

Today we announced Anthony Fedorov, who was a finalist in the 2005 season of television’s most watched program American Idol, will star in The 5th Avenue Theatre’s new production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
With his soulful singing and sexy/nerdy good looks, Fedorov quickly established himself as a fan favorite on the 4th season of the hit Fox Television talent contest that was ultimately won by Carrie Underwood.

Throughout its 40 year history this musical has enjoyed a long tradition of casting pop idols to play its titular hero including Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, Sean Cassidy, Michael Damian, Jon Secada and Andy Gibb to name only a few. The character of Joseph is something of a pop star himself so it is only natural that pop idols have often been recruited to play him. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice first created this musical back in 1968 when they were both in their 20’s, and they drew heavily on the popular music styles of the day. This inspired collaboration resulted in a remarkably infectious musical score that cries out for a leading performer who possess authentic pop/rock chops.

Every young man who plays Joseph must also be incredibly charming, exude star quality, believably go from “innocent boy” to “ruler of Egypt”,and look great when dressed in only a loincloth. I know that Anthony will fulfill all of those requirements beautifully. And if every performance is filled with crowds of screaming fans it will only add to the show’s delightful pop concert vibe.

Born in Yalta, Ukraine, Fedorov came to America at the age of 9 and eventually settled with his family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. While still a toddler Fedorov had to undergo an emergency tracheotomy because of complications from a birth defect and doctors predicted he would lose all ability to speak. But after a miraculous recovery, Fedorov regained the use of his voice and soon developed a passion for singing. Throughout his teens he could be found shuttling between Pennsylvania and New York City, singing whenever and wherever he had the opportunity.

Following his success on American Idol the 24 year old singer has gone on to a variety of music, television, and theatre projects including being a contestant on Celebrity Fear Factor, serving as a guest judge on MTV’s Little Talent Show as well as appearances on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, and The Tony Danza Show. He recently made his New York stage debut as “The Boy” in the current Off-Broadway revival of The Fantasticks and earlier this summer he starred in Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

His dynamic rendition of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” on American Idol garnered acclaim from the show’s judges who compared him favorably to Clay Aiken.