High-energy musical sets up shop at Candlelight through January
Candlelight’s new holiday production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is sunny, timeless and endlessly entertaining.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was originally written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber in 1968 for a children’s choir concert. The musical is loosely based on the biblical story from the book of Genesis about Jacob (Ryne Haldeman) and his sons. Joseph (Caleb Wenger), his favorite, can interpret dreams and has a colorful coat given to him by Jacob. Envy from his 11 brothers sees Joseph secretly sold into slavery. This lands him in Egypt where he rides a rollercoaster from rock bottom to fame. First, he works for Potiphar (Haldeman), then spends time in jail, and finally interprets a dream for the Pharaoh (Hugh Butterfield), which brings him fortune. When he then gets a chance to exact vengeance on his brothers, he chooses forgiveness and reconciliation instead.
The dance numbers in ‘Joseph’ are high energy and well choreographed. | Photo: RDGPhotography
Directed by Bryan Bell, this fun-loving production of the biblical tale is energetically narrated (Jalyn Courtenay Webb) through a variety of musical genres, numerous costume changes and buoyant dance numbers. Webb guides the audience with her breezy and bright delivery through each infectious song. The songs are simple and often silly, and yet you find yourself clapping along.
Impressive dance numbers
From “Jacob and Sons” to “Journey to Egypt,” these big dance numbers in Act One are well choreographed by Bryan Bell and well executed by the brothers. Levi (Chas Lederer) is a joy to watch as he leads the crew of brothers in the tongue-in-cheek hoedown “One More Angel in Heaven.” The brothers move the story along quickly while still providing plenty of time to drink in all of the colorful and delightful costumes — designed by Deb Faber — that cross biblical with modern.
On stage almost continuously, the ensemble delivers. Their performance is tight and energetic as they throw themselves into each number with strong, colossal voices and magnificent moves. One dance high point is the breakout performance in the French Can-Can-inspired “Those Canaan Days.”
Some of the show’s performance highlights include the humorous Mrs. Potiphar (Jessie Mays Hobson) in “Potiphar” and Reuben’s (Ethan Knowles) hilarious French accent in the jovial “Those Canaan Days.” Additionally, Judah’s (Elton Tanega) range and pitch-perfect delivery in “Benjamin Calypso” is not to be missed. And then there’s the predictable Pharaoh’s “Song of Kings” — a goofy Elvis Vegas-style performance — a real crowd pleaser as performed by Butterfield.
Caleb Wenger makes a wholesome Joseph and eloquently delivers “Close Every Door.” His voice is smooth and clear as he does his best to bring vibrance to a rather mundane character among all of the other high-spirited roles.
The music (Janice Vlachos) is brought together by a wonderful band directed by Katie Hughes, vivid stage design from Mike Curtis Grittner and bright and gorgeous lighting design by Rachel Fidds.
Joseph may not be especially moving and doesn’t have a deep inner message to convey beyond basic themes of forgiveness. What it is, though, is a bright spectacle of a musical and a fun family night out.
Leave A Comment