Reviewed by Judy Richter
"Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat"
is a popular choice for community theaters because it has a large cast,
including a children's chorus, and some catchy music -- all surefire draws for
an audience. Hillbarn Theatre capitalizes on these assets for its production, then adds
some more of its own in the form of lots of good singing and dancing.
"Joseph"
was the first publicly performed musical collaboration between composer Andrew
Lloyd Webber and
lyricist Tim Rice,
who began work on it in 1968 and recorded it as a concept album in 1969. It underwent
various changes until its West End premiere in 1973. In the meantime, the two
created the successful "Jesus Christ Superstar" in 1970 and in 1976 went
on to create "Evita," their best work as a team. Even though "Joseph" is
a musical mashup of styles ranging from rock to calypso and country, one can
hear some of Lloyd Webber's signature riffs.
The
large Hillbarn cast, skillfully directed by Nancy Fitzgerald-Metzler, is led by Noel Anthony in the title role of Joseph, one
of 12 sons of Jacob (Bob Fitzgerald) in this Old Testament story. Because Joseph was Jacob's
favorite, the other brothers were so jealous that they sold Joseph into slavery
and destroyed the colorful coat that Jacob had given him. Joseph then underwent
numerous travails before gaining favor with Egypt's Pharaoh (Michael D. Reed in an Elvis-like role) by
interpreting his dreams. Eventually all turned out well, of course.
The
story is mainly told by the Narrator, played by Lindsay Stark, who sings well and has a
charismatic stage presence. Anthony also has good stage presence as Joseph, but
he has some pitch problems in his higher range.
Choreography
by Brandy Mieszkowski is one of the show's highlights. The choral singing also is good, as
overseen by musical director Greg Sudmeier. The singers are accompanied by recorded music.
The
playground set designed by Steve Nyberg helps set the tone for this mostly playful show.
It also serves as a good place for the 18-member children's chorus to perch.
The costumes, a mix of modern and quasi-biblical, are by Carolann Towe. Don Coluzzi's lighting is busy in spots,
especially near the end, while Alan Chang's sound design is too loud.
Overall,
though, it's a fun show, one that has stood the test of time.