Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat seems to be one of those musicals everyone has seen – like Cats or The Music Man. Somehow, this musical has never crossed my path. Admittedly, I was OK with that for no reason other than all that hype when Donny Osmond took on the role decades ago. I remember being inundated with his tv appearances, that romance novel hair and pinwheel looking coat. Ahh, the ‘90s.
In Dallas Theater Center’s production on opening night last Wednesday, Joseph was nothing short of sensational with its fresh look, exciting choreography and a massive cast of talents directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene. The excitement on stage made up for the story’s lacking comprehension. For the unfamiliar (hand raised here), underneath the explosive energy onstage was a story hard to follow.
The show’s narrator guided the audience along as we learn that Joseph is the favorite son of Jacob and is gifted a colorful coat. His 11 brothers aren’t happy so they sell him into slavery because, brothers. Believed to be dead, Jacob is devastated; the brothers and wives celebrate.
Joseph thrives in slavery and gets promoted basically to manager. But he can’t catch a break as the wealthy slave owner Potiphar catches wifey with Joseph in bed albeit all being a set up. Now Joe’s in jail where we learn he can interpret dreams and predict the future.
The Pharaoh later hires Joseph. Famine follows. A sketchy family reunion happens and then ultimately, we see the coat again.
Webber and Tim Rice’s story felt very tidy and efficient even in its melodrama but it didn’t allow for much emotional resonance with the characters. Joseph was painted with broad strokes of noble qualities and felt two-dimensional.
To remedy that, Zachary J. Willis delivered a majestic performance as Joseph. Joseph is a rather passive character. The role almost calls for him to simply follow along with each scene’s actions. Willis rose above those limitations with a delicate but powerful portrayal that gave Joseph a needed depth.
Liz Mikel served double duty as a sympathetic Jacob and then did a 180 as the charismatic Pharoah. Tiffany Solano served as the one constant in the show as the Narrator and delivered a gorgeously sung performance. Christian Dior Draper oozed charisma as the ultra-cool Potiphar but gave us the delightful brother Levi.
The large cast was a veritable North Texas theater all-stars with talents including Esteban Vilchez, Parker Gray, Mark Quach, Jayden Myckala Russell, Amber Marie Flores and more who all brought forth a dynamic package to show’s big numbers – which was, like, all of them. Also, big props to the Children’s Chorus who performed strongly alongside this professional cast.
Music Director Cody meshed all their voices into glorious choruses while adding to the show’s grand scale with a mere five-person band. Ahmad Simmons’ choreography was outstanding from start to finish and he had every single body on that stage killing his incredible moves in the midst of Leah Mazur’s monumental set and scenery.
Cole McCarty dressed the cast to near-perfection with a wide palette echoing the onstage action. The muted brothers’ dress reflected their environment appropriately while colors were expressive of wealth and opulence in Potiphar and Pharaoh’s scenes. The Egyptian costumes and wig pieces were a particular note of glory to look at and the famous piece of clothing refrained from any grandess in lieu of a lovely, patchworked coat that was big in color but modest in design.
Greene’s production was as epic as any David Lean film and she directed the show with a genuine feel for the look and sound that reverberated across the ensemble. With all its resplendent action, I regret the story and characters didn’t have more to offer. But due to the outstanding work by this cast and creative team, it was impossible to resist the joy they consistently delivered in this Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
The show runs through July 13 at the Wyly Theatre.
