Such energetic, entertaining fun! Since seeing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat decades ago while attending an American Theater Association convention, shortly after the musical opened on Broadway, I've never been a particular fan of Joseph. But lately I've become a very happy viewer of collaborations between Kyle Turoff, director, and Dewayne Barrett, choreographer. Put together, putting together Joseph, they've made me look forward to another visit to the Apple when the American Theater Critics Association meets in Sarasota, end of April into May.
Heather Kopp sings a crystal clear narrative of the trials and triumphs of Joseph (Craig Weiskerger, handsome in looks and voice). Youngest and favorite son of Jacob (Robert Ennis Turoff, comically camping), who gives him a shiny coat of many colors. Though his jealous brothers strip him, beat him and leave him for dead, he survives to become right hand dreamguy to Egypt's Pharoah (glorious Dewayne Barrett), an Elvis Presley lookalike. (And can he ever "rotate," later doubling as an Israelite.)
When "The Brothers Come to Egypt," Joseph shares his bounty to save his weather-beaten family and help Jacob bring "Shalom" (where else but through the aisles?) to his tribe. Of course, there are temptations (notably limber, seductive Samantha Barrett as Potifar's wife lusting after Joseph) and trials (i.e., brother Benjamin stealing) along the path to the reunion of hero and family. Happily, all turn out to be mainly occasions for song and dance.
Movement in scene after technicolor-cartoon-like scene is as unbroken as the sung narrative and dialogue. Jacob interacts with his sons as if in a pageant. An operetta is closer to the genre of Joseph's dreams of the future, the brothers' attack on him, and his being led off on a donkey to enslavement.
In country-western mode, the brothers (led by Berry Ayers' strong Levi) persuade their dad that Joseph's "One More Angel in Heaven." Once he's saved, Narrator and Chorus cheer "Go, Go, Go Joseph" in best disco mode.
In Egypt, Pharoah rocks. Back in Israel, the parched brothers loll about recalling "Those Canaan Days" while watching an apache dance. In Egypt, they break into a calypso (acrobatically led by Charles Wright).
Dee Richards' costumes wow and are downright ooh-and-aahable in a number done in black and white that uses blackout lighting. John Visser and his musicians prove vitally versatile. I certainly understand why I heard patrons after the show planning to return. Like me.
