Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

I remember seeing this show many years ago when it was first available for schools as a concert style production and I’ve loved it ever since.  This fine first production by the company’s newly formed Youth group did not disappoint me or, I believe, anyone in the appreciative audience.

It’s probably fair to say that many of us were familiar with the songs that just keep coming and the young cast here, aged between 8 and 18, did them full justice.  I was particularly impressed with the choir of more than a dozen who treated us to some delightful harmonies and hit some lovely, clean notes.  They were also highly disciplined on stage so as not to attract attention from other performers.

Another factor that hit me was the number of costume changes that the cast had as most of them were at least doubling up on characters and I imagine that quick changes and a busy show like this were new to them – they also moved stage furniture.

Joseph, a great part for any youngster, was skilfully performed by Jordan Butler and the strength of his ability was highlighted by the fact that he really wasn’t too well on the night we saw him.  Joe Bowman shone in his excellent rendition of Those Canaan Days, Amy Kay Pell got her portrayal of Mrs Potiphar just right, nicely supported by Matthew Clarkson as Potiphar, and Corey Hart gave a good performance as Pharaoh.  I liked the four Narrators, Helena Graham, Paige Stewart, Lauren Hodgson and Charlotte Brown, all of whom sang well.  Actually, the whole cast was pretty impressive throughout and the company will be hoping that they all stay!

It is, of course, a short and snappy show and it was made all the more so with some superb lighting effects, the simple use of large multi-coloured boxes as a set together with some good choreography and an effective nine piece band.

Finally, a different presentation of Joseph’s Dreamcoat in the encore took the production up a notch.  However, the icing on the cake for me were the curtain calls, so often forgotten – they had obviously been well planned and rehearsed as part of the overall show and it just added to the pleasure of the evening.

The Director, Musical Director and Company can be very proud.

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