JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

A sheer tour de force in respect of cast numbers, before I even look at the production and technical elements.  I was very impressed on all levels.

The Directors/Choreographers are a well-proven duo, and the show was an excellent choice for DMTC’s 60th Anniversary year.  It is the type of show that can be performed on a number of levels, in that it can be very serious, however I felt this was a lighter, celebratory production, which gave the audience a different perspective, and whilst due deference was given to the script, we had a wealth of excellent performances and technical achievement, and I felt the audience engaged with it because of the joyous feel from the stage.  A small point was that I felt there was a lack of emotion from the performers at times.

The MD had a wonderful orchestra, a rich full sound that was a pleasure to listen to.  Everyone was a credit to the MD’s talent, giving us harmonies, expression and understanding of the lyrics, such a joy to listen to, with a special shout out to the children.

Sound was mostly excellent throughout, except that I felt that occasionally the children providing the backing were a little too loud for the principals, and overpowered them in a couple of places. 

Lighting was great, so much colour to enhance the action, even down to strip lights that changed colour down the sides of the theatre, and the intro to Pharaoh's song particularly was stunning.

Choreography gave a flow to the numbers, and was both suitable and fairly intricate in some places, which enhanced the energy from the cast.

Costumes were amazing – a special shout out to Gaye O’Hare who made the majority of them, and it showed in that everything fitted properly, was colourful and looked good.  Makes such a difference to the look and feel of a production.

Lauren Fox was a charming and eloquent Narrator, keeping the story going and in our minds whilst moving through the action, a pivotal role performed with clarity and ease – very well done.

David Woods was an excellent Joseph.  So good to see this pivotal role performed by someone who can sing so beautifully, and give the numbers meaning and intent, an excellent leading man.

The Brothers were a revelation – I do not have room to name every one of them, but suffice to say they featured more than I have been aware of in other productions, and all stepped up to the mark, there was experienced and not so experienced performers, all of whom made their presence felt – good vocals too.

Sam Rowland gave Pharaoh a good feel, I was surprised as I have only seen Sam in dramatic roles, so it was great to see him giving Pharaoh a real rock feel.  Very good.

Alistair Brown was a sympathetic Jacob, a kindly man, and Silou D’Souza gave us a new take on Potiphar, with a nicely full-on performance from Tara Patterson as his straying wife.

The ensemble of ladies gave such energy to the dance routines, which were well-thought out and very well delivered.  Again, too many people to mention by name, but no-one let the side down, such commitment, well achieved.

The Choir were excellent, well-drilled, plenty of expression and projection, always a feature of Joseph, which gives such valuable experience to our young performers, very well done.

All in all a slightly different version of a joyous show, with attention to detail from all, which made this an exuberant, vocally first rate production, with everyone involved stepping up to the plate and delivering a memorable experience for the audience.

Nova Horley

NODA Representative - NODA East District 3

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