REVIEW: "Joseph and the Amazing Techniclor Dreamcoat"

A Review

Biblical Disco Days

By R. J. Donovan

Following the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" has never pretended to be anything but a light, frothy piece of fun from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

The show details Joseph's rise to power in Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers. Never taking itself too seriously, the musical weaves its story through a send-up of politics, ego and family jealousy.

A narrator moves the whole thing along, but it's also got an Elvis impersonator, country western numbers and enough disco flourishes to keep any John Travolta fan happy.

Originally conceived as a fifteen-minute storybook pop-contata for a children's choir, the show was subsequently fleshed out as a full scale commercial stage musical. (A local children's choir is still utilized in each town to sit along the sidelines and join the chorus. Here, it's the children's ensemble from The Franklin School for the Performing Arts.)

The current production at The Colonial offers some solid performers, however, they're wrapped inside a package that doesn't always serve their talents.

First up is Amy Adams, of "American Idol" fame, as the Narrator. She's clearly got the pipes for the job and she especially shines in the lively Act Two opener. However, she's not giving a performance that's large enough for the stage. On TV, you can rely on close-ups, but on stage, you've got to fill the theater with your presence and play to the balcony. Still, she sings great, brings a bright personality to the company and she's got all the "American Idol" money notes down pat. Her performance just needs a little more theatrical oomph.

Starring as Joseph is Patrick Cassidy (at left, with Amy Adams). Although no kid, he's in great shape -- which he shows off through various loincloth costume changes. With a lot of top credits to his name (from "Aida" and "42nd Street" to the original company of "Assassins"), he, too, deserves a better platform for his performance.

Previous tours of "Joseph" have gotten the razzle-dazzle factor right with bright staging, interesting set pieces and knock-out costuming. Here, the choreography isn't all that interesting, the cowboy outfits don't look like actual stage costumes and the florescent chorus outfits just don't work at all.

The large ensemble is a talented bunch, but they, too, could use a better arena. The male members of the troupe (Joseph's many brothers) finally get to show off in the second act with "Days of Canaan." As this number comes three quarters of the way through the show, you've got to wonder why the guys weren't supported with a similar opportunity sooner.

Whatever shortcomings the evening mayhave, the finale brushes it all away with the "Joseph Mega-Mix." Long before "Mamma Mia" was winding up the night with a mini-disco concert, Joseph was doing it better and louder.

In the Mega-Mix (perhaps originally designed to lengthen the show), the cast shucks their stage outfits to return and present a re-cap of the entire show via an extended musical medley.

Part concert, part curtain call, the Mega-Mix gives each soloist a chance to reprise a few moments of his or her big number. The lights are bright, the music is pounding, and the whole entire thing climaxes with a smoke and mirror ball finish.

After that, it's almost impossible not to walk out of the theater humming.

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is at The Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston Street, through November 13. For information, call 617-931-2787.

Photos: George Byron Griffiths

-- OnStage Boston

11/04/05

			A Review Biblical Disco Days By R. J. Donovan Following the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" has never pretended to be anything but a light, frothy piece of fun from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The show details Joseph's rise to power in Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers. Never taking itself too seriously, the musical weaves its story through a send-up of politics, ego and family jealousy. A narrator moves the whole thing along, but it's also got an Elvis impersonator, country western numbers and enough disco flourishes to keep any John Travolta fan happy. Originally conceived as a fifteen-minute storybook pop-contata for a children's choir, the show was subsequently fleshed out as a full scale commercial stage musical. (A local children's choir is still utilized in each town to sit along the sidelines and join the chorus. Here, it's the children's ensemble from The Franklin School for the Performing Arts.) The current production at The Colonial offers some solid performers, however, they're wrapped inside a package that doesn't always serve their talents. First up is Amy Adams, of "American Idol" fame, as the Narrator. She's clearly got the pipes for the job and she especially shines in the lively Act Two opener. However, she's not giving a performance that's large enough for the stage. On TV, you can rely on close-ups, but on stage, you've got to fill the theater with your presence and play to the balcony. Still, she sings great, brings a bright personality to the company and she's got all the "American Idol" money notes down pat. Her performance just needs a little more theatrical oomph. Starring as Joseph is Patrick Cassidy (at left, with Amy Adams). Although no kid, he's in great shape -- which he shows off through various loincloth costume changes. With a lot of top credits to his name (from "Aida" and "42nd Street" to the original company of "Assassins"), he, too, deserves a better platform for his performance. Previous tours of "Joseph" have gotten the razzle-dazzle factor right with bright staging, interesting set pieces and knock-out costuming. Here, the choreography isn't all that interesting, the cowboy outfits don't look like actual stage costumes and the florescent chorus outfits just don't work at all. The large ensemble is a talented bunch, but they, too, could use a better arena. The male members of the troupe (Joseph's many brothers) finally get to show off in the second act with "Days of Canaan." As this number comes three quarters of the way through the show, you've got to wonder why the guys weren't supported with a similar opportunity sooner. Whatever shortcomings the evening mayhave, the finale brushes it all away with the "Joseph Mega-Mix." Long before "Mamma Mia" was winding up the night with a mini-disco concert, Joseph was doing it better and louder. In the Mega-Mix (perhaps originally designed to lengthen the show), the cast shucks their stage outfits to return and present a re-cap of the entire show via an extended musical medley. Part concert, part curtain call, the Mega-Mix gives each soloist a chance to reprise a few moments of his or her big number. The lights are bright, the music is pounding, and the whole entire thing climaxes with a smoke and mirror ball finish. After that, it's almost impossible not to walk out of the theater humming. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is at The Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston Street, through November 13. For information, call 617-931-2787. Photos: George Byron Griffiths -- OnStage Boston 11/04/05

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