What themes are more timeless than murder, adultery, jealousy, and sibling rivalry? As Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" proves, none.
"Joseph" brings the biblical tale of Jacob and his 12 sons to life through Webber's amazing score, Tim Rice's clever lyrics, and the cast's talent and energy.
Jealous of their father's affection towards Joe, Jacob's 11 other sons sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt. Twists of fate land Joseph in jail, where he gains a reputation as a dream interpreter. When Joseph correctly interprets Pharaoh's dream, saving Egypt from starvation through the coming famine, Pharaoh frees him and makes Joseph his number two guy. Joseph's brothers come to Egypt in search of food, meet up with Joseph, and all is forgiven for a happy ending.
"Joseph" is a light-hearted and happy show that doesn't fall into the trap of taking itself too seriously. Visual and musical jokes are littered throughout the show. The cast is clearly having a good time - their enthusiasm is infectious. "Joseph" is simply an enjoyable show.
Told entirely in song, "Joseph" is a hodgepodge of different musical styles. With songs ranging from the country western "One More Angel in Heaven" to the smooth "Benjamin Calypso," the music is a treat for everyone. "The Song of the King," sung by Todd Dubail as the Elvis look-alike Pharaoh, stands out as the definite show stopper.
Patrick Cassidy, straight from Broadway's "42nd Street" and the 1999 national tour of "Joseph," shines in the title role. Amy Adams, one of the finalists in "American Idol 3," makes a smashing theatrical debut as the Narrator. Great performances are turned in by all, most notably by Dubail and by Matthew LaBlanca as Simeon, the Maurice Chevalier-style singer of "Those Canaan Days."
The Children's Ensemble, hailing from The Franklin School for the Performing Arts, can certainly sing. They sound beautiful, especially in the moving songs "Any Dream Will Do" and "Close Every Door." Their innocent voices have a peaceful effect on the production.
Because "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is a popular choice for high school and community theater groups, many Tufts students have probably already seen it. However, this national tour at the Colonial Theater in Boston stands out as more 'amazing' and 'technicolor' than most other productions.
The technical aspects of the production are gorgeous, making it as stunning visually as it is musically. The costumes are bright, colorful and sexy, and the creative and intense lighting adds another dimension of color and excitement.
Although normal ticket prices are steep, the Colonial Theater in Boston offers $25 'rush' tickets for all area students, available at the box office one hour before curtain.
Running now through Nov. 13, "Joseph" is a great show with inventive songs and an amazing cast. Is this theater that will change your life? No. But this production is a whole lot of fun.
Although the original story of Joseph and his coat was written ages ago by an unknown author, Webber and Rice wrote their version in 1968 as a college project. Just imagine - maybe someday the work that you're doing will wind up touring the country.
