WHAT: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
WHERE: Seacoast Repertory Theatre
BLURB: Upbeat and Colorful
HIGH POINT: Thoroughly Entertaining
This production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat demonstrates how to take a tepid, vintage musical and make it into a piece of super high, energetic entertainment.
If you're a fan - expect lots of color and a quick pace, plus a unique take or two. If you're a nonfan, anticipate a surprise; you may not turn to the Joseph-side in the long-run, but you'll likely find this production a delight.
Joseph, with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is based on a biblical tale. It was originally written as a 15-minute pop-cantata to be performed by school, and expanded on over time.
Joseph is his father Jacob's favorite son. As you can imagine, this doesn't sit well with the 11 older brothers. Their jealousy worsens when dad gives Joseph a spectacular coat, and is further exacerbated when Joseph shares his dream suggesting he will rule them all in the future.
Needlessly to say their emotions get the best of them. The brothers sell Joseph to passing Ishmaelites, and convince Jacob the boy was killed.
Joseph is sold into the house of Potiphar, a wealthy Egyptian. He rises quickly through the household ranks, until he's accused of a crime he didn't commit and is imprisoned.
Things look dire. And in case you don't know the storyline, we'll stop it there.
The play features a narrator, a trio in this production, who guides the audience through Joseph's journey.
The sung-thru musical is a smorgasbord of genres. It includes Country Western, Charleston and Calypso, and features the breakout song "Any Dream Will Do."
The success of the Rep's production is down to incredible talent, of course, character development, and the expeditious pacing set by Directors Alyssa Dumas, Jason Faria, Ben Hart and Brandon James.
There are a few mindful breathers both built in and invented, that are true pleasures, one revealed further on.
This is one talented lot of performers, lead to ensemble - with great voices all, and most light on their feet.
Just one of many performances that elevate this generally less-exciting musical is Jared LeMay's impressive Joseph. LeMay brings some real character to the thinly sketched role. His voice is lovely, and his performance of "Close Every Door, the play's most touching tune, is everything it should be.
The directors' choice to use three rather than the traditional sole narrator proves a discerning one. The mix of Alyssa Dumas, Alexandra Mullaney and Sophie Mings proves a dream-team, a joyful, spectacular blend of complimentary voices and performances.
Tobin Moss as Jacob, (hilarious in the "One More Angel in Heaven" scene) and the brothers, (Sean Mullaney (Levi), Christopher Hobson (Simeon), Shaina Schwartz (Judah), Michael Thompson (Reuben), Finn Graff (Zebulun), Spencer Steward (Asher), Jack Dalton (Benjamin), Ella Luke (Dan), Dragon Cole (Issachar), Max Cavanaugh (Nephtali) and Sean Armstrong Verre (Gad) look sharp, with each solo and collective number exactly right.
The night's loveliest surprise was saved for the Pharaoh's scene, which brings a wonderful poised relief to the production's spirited mix.
Generally the Pharaoh is portrayed as Elvis for a laugh. Here the directors went with a strong, intimidating character, impeccably performed by Stuart Dias. No schmaltz here, but instead a character that radiates power, and delivers a tune like a rockin' songbird. Dias nails this smart addition.
Comments