Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

This was my first official trip to Loudoun Musical Society as their Noda District Representative, which nicely marked my first show visit of the 2018/2019 season, and what a way to start.  The one word I have to use to describe each element of this production is outstanding.  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is already a firm favourite for me, and as it is a show which has just been released for a short time to adult societies, I was very excited to watch this production.  It seemed like a challenge for an adult group to stage such a production, and Loudoun certainly pulled it off in style.  The show was pre-set with a dull wash of colour over the stage and a single spotlight focussing on an open story book, and once the book was picked up by one of the narrators during the ‘Prologue’, the entire stage was flooded with colour through lighting and impressive digital screens on the proscenium and back wall to the stage area.  The simple split levelled stage structure was complimented by the floor of the whole stage area being hand painted in a sandy colour brick design which was very effective and fitting for the setting of the show.  Well Done to the stage crew and all those behind the scenes for this success.  Guiding us through the story were three narrators; Mhairi Anderson, Lynsey Campbell and Laura Hynds.  Throughout the show all three confidently took on each musical number with stunning solo vocals, beautiful harmonies and a strong individual characterisation.  Mhairi’s strength, Laura’s warmth and Lynsey’s humour worked very well together.  Wearing the Amazing Dreamcoat and taking on the title role of Joseph, in an effortless and superb portrayal was David McIlwraith.  David’s mix of soft and warm vocals in the early musical numbers, combined with an impressively controlled belt in the more commanding ballads was a joy to listen to, and captured the character’s journey from shy to confident perfectly.  In particular ‘Close Every Door’ was a vocal delight.  He wore the coat of many colours … and his loin cloth fantastically well and should be commended for this role.  The roles of the brothers were skilfully played by; Steven Swan (Reuben), Craig Love (Simeon), David Mutch (Levi), Kerr McKinlay (Naphtali), Toby Wilson (Issachar), Hugh Wallace (Asher), Calum Peter (Dan), John McGill (Zebulun), Kaius Ross (Gad), Fraser Chapman (Benjamin) and Stephen McIlwraith (Judah).  Special mentions to Steven, Craig and Stephen for their solo numbers.  The other supporting principals kept the story moving and comedy was provided by David Mutch as a commanding Pharaoh and Kevin Kelly as the hysterical Potiphar, who both proved themselves strong comedic character actors in these roles.  John Goodwin (Jacob), Lesley Ann Bolton (Mrs Potiphar), Toby Wilson (Butler) and Maureen Powell (Baker) completed the principal line up all excelling in their roles.  Behind a wonderful cast, crew and staging are the production team.  Director Ruth’s clever touches including; the way the Narrator’s interacted with the characters including sometimes flirting with the brothers and taking selfies on their phones, the use of costume and digital images for scene setting and how could I not mention the sheep being played by tiny kids were all fab.  The choreography by Steven was very clever, captivating and imaginative.  It also matched the changing moods and styles of the scenes very successfully.  ‘Benjamin’s Calypso’, Go Go Go Joseph’ and ‘One More Angel’ in particular stood out and utilised a talented ensemble.

In an all sung production the Musical Director certainly has a big task, no down time for them or the band, and Darren certainly handled this fantastically.  The ensemble harmonies, solo numbers and scene / background music throughout was first-rate.  A huge well done must also go to the wardrobe team lead by Erin Grace, and the costumiers for their attention to detail throughout.

At the end of the show Jacob very movingly placed the story book back in its pre-set position, and as he left the stage the colour left and the single spotlight returned leaving us with the stage the way it had been at the beginning.  A lovely touch to finish this outstanding show.  The full house giving the cast a standing ovation proved how well the production had been received by the audience, and a huge well done must go to everyone at Loudoun for this fantastic achievement.

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