|
Regional Reviews: Phoenix Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Also see Gil's reviews of Girl from the North Country and Brighton Beach Memoirs
The musical is inspired by the Old Testament tale of Joseph, a dreamer blessed with a vibrant coat from his father, Jacob. This gift stirs envy among Joseph's eleven brothers, who, resentful of their father's favoritism, decide to sell Joseph into slavery, hoping to prevent his dreams of ruling over them from becoming reality. Joseph's journey takes him to Potiphar's house, where he is unjustly imprisoned. However, Joseph discovers that his unique talent for interpreting dreams might be his ticket to freedom while his brothers face the consequences of their betrayal. The plot is straightforward and the character development is limited, but the show offers a great deal of enjoyment, thanks to its catchy score that spans various musical genres, from pop and country to calypso. Two standout ballads, "Close Every Door" and "Any Dream Will Do," shine with Rice's precise lyrics beautifully complementing Lloyd Webber's catchy melodies, capturing both Joseph's struggles and the show's optimistic ending. The addition of a Narrator, who not only comments on but also engages in the story, adds a way for the audience to stay connected to the story, and the themes of jealousy and forgiveness are ones that resonate. Hale's cast is led by Brandt Norris as Joseph and Michala Montaño as the Narrator. They've been featured in many Hale shows over the past few years and both are wonderful here, delivering strong performances full of emotion and excitement. Norris' singing voice soars with beautiful delivery of his solos, especially a moving "Close Every Door," while Montaño's rich, bright singing voice and warm portrayal create an endearing and vibrant character. There isn't a weak link in the rest of the cast, which is made up of many Hale regulars. Truman Regard-Whipple, Joshua South, and Trevon Powell as Joseph's brothers Reuben, Simeon, and Judah, respectively, excel on their solo songs; Regard-Whipple and South are gifted comics who add many humorous bits to their numbers, and Powell's smooth clear voice shines on "Benjamin Calypso." Zac Bushman, as the Elvis-loving Pharaoh whom Joseph helps, has an absolute blast in the part. However, Bushman's thick Elvis accent is a bit hard to understand at times. Jim Roehr oozes warmth as Joseph's father Jacob, and William Lovell and Joseph Strode bring a nice touch of comedy as the Butler and Baker whom Joseph meet in jail. Lovell and Strode, along with Archer Cox, Jeremy Cruz, Reece Harris, Albert Mendoza, Declan Skaggs, and Bennett Allen Wood, portray Joseph's other brothers, with each bringing an abundance of joy to their roles. Brie Wadsworth-Gates has a fun cameo as Potiphar's Wife and Sophia Castelluccio, Sarah Cleeland, Ava Cusiter, Gabrielle Gernon, Evelyn Humphrey, Josephine Maldonado, Maddie Sue Miller, Olivia Porter, Diana Stapley, and Lillian Thelen play the wives and many other roles with an infectious glee. The choreography by Cambrian James is lively, varied, and full of fun moments, complementing his direction, which is infused with heart and humor. James' staging creates a strong connection between the performers and with the audience, with both Norris and Montaño often singing directly to them, and he also doesn't downplay the emotion in the story which helps to convey the musical's themes of family and forgiveness. The entire ensemble seem to be having a blast with the ever-changing costumes, skillfully designed and coordinated by Brielle Hawkes. McKenna Carpenter's immersive set and Tim Dietlein's lush lighting bathe the stage in rich, warm colors, featuring a desert-painted floor, stone structures, and two-dimensional wall hangings that evoke the sunny landscapes of Egypt. Under Tyler Thompson's musical direction, the cast delivers exceptional vocal performances. Packed with catchy tunes and overflowing with comedy and charm, Hale's outstanding cast, top-notch choreography, and bright direction, combined with impressive creative elements, elevate the somewhat simple Biblical story of Joseph into one with charm and a big heart. The result is a lively, humorous, energetic, joyful, and thoroughly captivating production of this popular musical. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs through October 5, 2024, at Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Avenue, Gilbert AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.haletheatrearizona.com or call 480-497-1181 Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Cast: |
