Before Jesus Christ Superstar or Evita, there was the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice “pop cantata,” Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The composition was their first publicly performed show, a work that was commissioned by a private school in London in 1968. Webber was only 20 years-old, Rice four years his senior. The expanded work, which played on London’s West End in the early 1970’s and Off-Broadway in the late 70’s, is receiving a satisfying production at the Ivoryton Playhouse.
As with all Webber-Rice collaborations, this is a sung-through musical that incorporates a variety of musical styles, including Pop, Rock, Country/Western, Calypso, Jazz, and even a song reminiscent of the king himself – Elvis Presley. The songs are sung with enthusiasm and energy. There is more of a playfulness and less complicated structure to the songs in comparison to the duo’s later compositions. What prevents a total enjoyment of the score is Dustin Pfaender’s Sound Design, which made it very difficult to understand the lyrics, primarily the character of The Narrator. In large, ensemble numbers, the issue is not as pronounced since Joseph is a large show with many singers. It is more the songs spotlighting an individual character.
Jospeh is a family-friendly show that is a retelling of the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. A favorite of his father, his envious brothers kidnap him and sell Joseph to slavery. He eventually ends up in the court of the Egyptian Pharaoh, after correctly interpreting his dreams of feast and famine, which allows the country to prepare for the impending catastrophe. Jacob's family is not as blessed and travels to Egypt to escape the famine. Joseph, whose identity is unbeknownst to his brothers, provides food and shelter to them. After saving his brood, he reveals himself, forgives their transgressions, and is finally reunited with his family, his father bursting with joy.
The production, directed and choreographed with a certain degree of liveliness by Todd L. Underwood, can occasionally appear under rehearsed, with all the various elements not always in sync. While the Set Design by Cully Long is on the minimal side, Marcus Abbott’s Lighting brings splashes of color to the show. Sean Spina’s combination of period costumes and flamboyant outfits (Pharaoh, aka Elvis) are a noticeable treat.
The cast is led by Kyle Daisimer as the bedeviled Joseph. Throwing nuance and refinement to the wind, the actor ambles through the show with a self-effacing bravado. Alanna Saunders, with her broad smile and effervescent presence, is a natural as The Narrator of the show. Unfortunately, her singing voice, more than not, cannot always overcome the music accompaniment to be appreciated. Ryan Knowles provides the role of Pharaoh/Elvis with just the right amount of outrageousness and flash to make a notable presence. The ensemble, primarily the actors who comprise Joseph’s large number of brethren, is a disparate group of performers that, nonetheless, supply a healthy dose of humor and entertaining and the production.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, playing at the Ivoryton Playhouse through July 27. Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.
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