Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat

Thank you for your kind invitation to report on your production of “Joseph…” which has been so long in coming to the stage.  However, your patience paid off handsomely as this was one of the best productions I have seen of this show.  There was much creativity in the staging and use of repeats of songs that made this a highly memorable show. The use of the script in a more modern setting worked very well, especially with Potiphar’s wife and her flirtation with Joseph, and the cowboy approach to “One More Angel”.  `It is these novel ideas that brought a new energy and verve to the production. 

The set was very clever, with the small changes made for the various scenes being very subtle and unobtrusive. The bars of Joseph’s cell were very effective, the camels of the Ishmaelites were lovely and Potiphar’s pyramid and abacus were lovely touches!  I really liked the very authentic Egyptian scenes with the Anubis god figures in the background and the sphinx  – this showed that someone had been to Egypt!  The pit for Joseph, and his being attacked was very well done, with no obvious violence but a good effect.  The only part that might have been developed a little more perhaps was the scene with Pharoah.  He was the master of the known world and a god in his own right, after all. 

The costumes were excellent!  They looked authentic and reflected the lack of surplus wealth of the time. The two coats for Joseph worked really well, with the final one being incredibly impressive. I liked that fact that the brothers were all dressed differently, in reflection of their differing characters.  And as for Potiphar’s wife – well, no wonder he was worried!

The music was very good, and complemented the singing well, with some of the awkward rhythms well controlled. The fact that the music was live was a real bonus to the cast, as they could be given time to breath and be expressive. The sound in general was very well handled and the lighting was very effective and on cue. 

The choreography was very good and nicely varied, enabling the cast to stay in character whilst moving. Make up and hats and beards were well done and looked the part and hid the identity of the Ishmaelites completely. There was a lot of excellent detail in this production that showed a desire to make the production work well, and the sense of fun pervading the proceedings at times was wonderful!

However, it was the performers in the cast that made this production come alive, as they portrayed the individual characters so well and developed their personas beautifully. The leading characters are commented on below, but everyone in the cast, orchestra and backstage was important in staging the production.

Main Characters:

Narrators:  were well balanced, confident and clear with good voices.  Their partnership was excellent in the way they responded and reacted to each other and to the events portrayed.  Brilliant scene setter and story tellers!

Joseph:  had a superb voice and good stage presence.  He moved well and portrayed a stable and consistent character.  He reacted well with both the other players and with the audience.  His stillness at times was powerful.

Jacob:  played an excellent elder statesman and head of family.  His character was steady and impressive.  His singing was good.

            Reuben:  a strong character and an excellent eldest brother of the tribe, particularly in the “One More Angel” song.   Very good voice, very well sung.  Loved his sense of fun!

     Potiphar:  a nice portrayal of a miserly rich man, always worried that his wife was unfaithful.  Well sung.

Potiphar’s wife:  a wonderful flirtation bringing a change of mood to the scene as she attempted a determined seduction of Joseph.  Good singing voice.

The Baker and the Butler:  good contrast in characters, the Butler more stately and dignified, the Baker energetic and lively.  Both had very expressive body language – we felt their fear and their hope.

Pharaoh:  an impressive character with good stature, though the characterisation could have been a little stronger.  A good voice that he used well.

Altogether this was a highly enjoyable and unique take on the story of Joseph performed by a committed group of actor singers who formed a very close team.  There were statesmanship, jealousy, hope, fear and power all very well portrayed and infused with a vibrant sense of storytelling.  This was one of your best shows that I have seen. Congratulations to everyone involved! 

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