JOSEPH AND HIS AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT

Based on the “coat of many colours” story of Joseph in Genesis, this was the first publicly performed musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice in 1968. Originally a “pop cantata” it has been augmented many times down the years till it is now (almost) a full length show.

Fusion’s Set was a very attractive and functional one with rear arch decorated with Egyptian images and numerous levels to accommodate the huge cast and keep movement interesting. Lighting and Sound were very well managed and effective, allowing everyone their “time in the light” and both individuals and mass vocals to be effectively heard. There were a lot of body mikes in evidence! Props were minimal but well devised and innovative – I loved the camel and the goat! - and the Costumes were fabulously colourful.

The junior chorus of 34  8-12 year olds, wearing different bright coloured T shirts with the show’s logo on the front, mostly sat on risers at each side of the stage. They had more ‘handography’ than usual, giving them a real sense of being part of the show and not just an add-on choir. Another eighteen made up the ensemble, who moved around and were sometimes part of the main choreography. Ensemble males filled the supporting roles such as Ishmaelites, camel and Egyptian guards (Jonathan Hagan, Ben Hanson, Ian Simpson) etc.  Megan Husband, Lucy Fitzpatrick, Zoe Barr, Lauren Toner, Clodagh Haddock, Katie Sesay, Siomha Hamill, Aideen Nolan, Anna Watson, Ellie Bamford, Tarika Kinney and Lucia McLaughlin were cleverly named as a wife to each of Joseph’s brothers and came in many times to dance with their ‘husbands’. Although mainly acting as a group, Joseph’s eleven brothers each had their differing personalities and all showed huge energy and commitment. Theo Traynor played Reuben, eldest son of Jacob; Stefan McVeigh played second son Simeon; Jordan Kelly – third son Levi; Ethan Haddock – 4th son Judah; Daniel Marshall – 5th son Dan; Paddy Adair – 6th son Naphtali; Patrick Glover – 7th son Gad; Sammy Milford – 8th son Asher; James Marsden – 9th son Issacher; Jason Tsoutsas – 10th son Zebulum and Jake Spence – 12th son Benjamin. Various brothers showed individual vocal talent as they took the lead in “One More Angel”, “Those Canaan Days” and “Benjamin Calypso” but mostly they were an animated and comical group who showed excellent rapport with each other. Jordan Kelly also took the role of the Butler with Evan Keating as the Baker – they were both convincing and sang well. Patrick Glover was a very funny Potiphar as well as his role as Gad. His eccentric costume added to his well-directed comedy and Megan Husband portrayed his comically sexy wife with aplomb! With the Elvis style song and costume Rory Jeffers couldn’t fail to be a hit as Pharaoh and he fully deserved his extra applause!  Tim Pentland, as the only adult in the cast, took the elder statesman role of Jacob with surprizing energy! Getting “down with the kids” much more than I have seen any Jacob before worked really well and Tim was able to make much more of his role than is usual.

Dividing the single role of Narrator into three gave Abbie Watson, Aimee McVeigh and Becca McDowell all a chance to shine. Sometimes as a trio, sometimes as a soloist, they were an ever-present guide to the story in word and song and their harmonies were excellent. Stuart Anderson, who played Jesus in Fusion’s spring production of Jesus Christ Superstar, stuck with the biblical theme and took the leading role of Joseph. He maintained a slightly aloof persona, just loosening up in “Joseph’s Coat” with Jacob and at the end of the show in the Megamix. He sang very well throughout – “Close Every Door” and “Any Dream Will Do” being highlights.

Ian Milford, who doubles as Director and Musical Director, took strong command of his excellent 11 piece orchestra and they sounded terrific. Although producing quite a high volume of sound they did not often overcome the vocals from the stage. Ian’s direction was seamlessly woven with Jillian’s choreography - so much was going on that I didn’t know where to look sometimes! Lots of innovative ideas were employed to give the show a new and exciting look. I have seen “Joseph” numerous times down the years and I have to say that this production was one of the best, amateur or professional.

I brought the National President of Noda with me and he also was very impressed. Our congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in any way.

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