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Joseph And the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed by William Pullinsi
Choreography by Stacey Flaster
At The Theatre at the Center
1040 Ridge Road
Munster, IN
Call 219-836-3255, tickets $32 - $35
Wednesdays & Thursdays at 2 PM
Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM
Sundays at 2:30 PM
Running time 2 hours minutes with intermission
Through October 22, 2006
Joseph sings and dances well in Munster
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a 1968 show that began as a pop cantata for middle school kids by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, has gone on to please generations playing worldwide with several Chicago productions including a 16 month run. Talk about a show having legs! Why this show is so popular is one of life’s little mysteries? 
I must admit that Joseph is mediocre material at best but director William Pullinsi deftly gets all the pleasures and enjoyments contained. His production is well cast and its energy is intoxicating. The classy voice of Roberta Duchak anchors the show as the narrator. The inspired performers delivered a cute family show that audiences just couldn’t get enough of. The production I saw seemed scaled down, serviceable but containing a spark that connects the material with audiences. Talented voices and a terrific ensemble delivered a treat.
Matt Raftery, as Joseph, full of big smiles and a rich voice did yeoman work He delivered his role professionally with charm and charisma enough for us to care what happens to his Joseph. I especially like the “Any Dream Will Do” marquee number sincerely delivered by Matt Raftery and the ensemble. Joseph is bible fable about Joseph and his eleven brothers who sell him into slavery due to envy. It is an ode to the dreamers in all of us.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score is mainly a pop-rock piece with elements of disco, early rock, ala Elvis with cowboy and western, calypso, blues and a French Brel-like tune. Choreographer Stacey Flaster has a fine dance ensemble that performed the various musical styles energetically with imaginative dance designs possessing sizzle. Jeffrey Max, as the Elvis-styled Pharaoh, and Scott Calcagno, as Rueban, landed their numbers aptly. With catchy music and colorful dance, Joseph unfolds as worthy family entertainment.
It would be fair to say that this production of Joseph was engaging, had moments that clicked, and it contains enough empathy to propels it into our hearts. Usually audience enthusiasm quickly develops with the upbeat, peppy score and the lively dancing, yet this audience waited until the disco styled reprise at the end to react to the vibe being sent to them.
Kids will love this Joseph, adults will meet an old friend and another generation will be introduced to musical theatre.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006
Jeff Recommended
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