Enjoy La Comedia Dinner Theatre's delicious buffet, and the live production of the classic musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!
Event details
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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Joseph... is one of the most popular shows we've ever produced and we're excited to bring it back for the first time in ten years. This beloved collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice is perfect for the entire family!
Joseph… is a fun, upbeat adaptation of the biblical story of a young man sold into slavery by his own jealous brothers. His gift of interpreting dreams catches the eye of the Egyptian pharaoh and he eventually predicts and saves his country from a terrible famine. Set to an abundance of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock ‘n’ roll, this Old Testament tale has something for everyone.
If more stories from the Bible were told with the catchy songs, sharp humor, high-energy dance numbers and rapid-fire delivery that ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ contains, I’d be a biblical scholar. Instead I struggle just to remember the 15 Commandments. One thing is certain, this show will make you a believer in the magic of musical theater.
While some sermons can be sleep inducing, La Comedia’s production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ is mesmerizing from beginning to end. Everything happens so fast, there’s hardly time to blink, so any substantial shut-eye is impossible. As Narrator, Brynn Owen keeps things moving with her heavenly voice, strong enough to part the Blue Sea. With Owen as narrator listening to any story, including ‘War & Peace’ would be a pleasurable experience and leave me wanting more. Morgan Freeman, should be looking over his shoulder, because Owen may be the narrative voice of the future.
In the title role is Troy Austin, whose performance should earn Joseph a spot among the Gospels, with Paul, George, Ringo, and John. Whether in a loin cloth or the technicolor dreamcoat, Austin is a perfect fit for the part. Rather than crop cycles, Austin’s dreams are about being on being on Broadway and if his vocals for ‘Any Dream Will Do’ is any indication, they might just be made true.
One of my all-time favorite songs from a musical is ‘One More Angel in Heaven,’ and this rendition, lead by Reuben (Riley McManus) does not disappoint. From tears of sorrow to a hoe-down style celebration, it covers a range of emotion. It also highlights the talents of the 11 brothers of Joseph. It’s a miracle bigger than when Macy’s was risen from the dead that anyone can listen to the song without at least tapping their foot.
Special mention is deserving of the Pharaoh (Ben-David Carlson), who is a hunk of burnin’ fun. His sandals are turned in for some blue suede shoes in a standout performance as the King. Another scene stealer is Desmond Thomas as Judah. There’s no denying once, not to mention three times, that Thomas (Judah) has an extra dose of charisma. His singing of ‘Benjamin Calypso’ is a moment of bliss.
The set design is also worthy of praise, as it is an impressive sight to witness and also allows for seamless scene changes. Furthermore, it holds a children’s chorus for the entire production, which is a nice touch. The prayers of many have been answered, as La Comedia is in the process of getting all its seats refurbished.
If you liked all the songs within the show (who doesn’t?), no fear as they can be heard again during the Megamix at the end. It’s a party-like atmosphere that makes you want to stand-up and dance, even if you are in one of the new seats. It’s the perfect conclusion to a glorious show. It’s no wonder that one of the Commandments is ‘Though shalt not miss a show at La Comedia or their sweet potato soufflé’ ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ continued through April 14.
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