By Tyson Allred
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, playing in Logan, presented by Music Theatre West is a lovely, comic, and colorful journey through the Biblical story of young Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers after his father favored him with a gorgeous colored cloak. His gift of prophecy saves him from an uncertain fate and helps him to rescue Egypt from famine. Animated with a high-energy mix of music and dancing from 50’s rock to calypso to country, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is hailed for its family-friendly storyline, universal themes, and catchy music.
As I sat in the Ellen Eccles Theatre, I looked around and took in the audience and saw the excitement on the family’s faces. Kids were eating thier chocolate-covered pretzels and parents were talking about the previous times they had seen this show. Then the Orchestra began to play. It fell silent and the Narrator’s began to sing. Both Lauren Sidwell and Bethany Anderson start with a bang. Their voices carry the entire theater and made us all sit in awe. They are perfectly cast in the Narrator role and throughout the entire show never falter.
The family is introduced next: each brother in turn showing right from the beginning all of their jealousy and hatred toward Joseph. I have to admit; I had so much fun watching the brothers’ dance and show their own individual personalities. The brothers have several amazing songs that just made you smile with amusement.
Bethany Anderson, Max Teuscher, Lauren Sidwell
If you want a Cowboy hoedown then “One More Angel in Heaven,” is for you. Simeon, played by Ryan Leonhardt, makes everyone laugh about the sadness and discontent the brothers are feeling about the death of Joseph. However, if you are feeling nostalgic and want a melodramatic French twist, then “Those Canaan Days” is for you. Asher, played by Clifton Richards, sings about the despair the brothers have for selling off Joseph and wishing for better days.
Joseph (Maxx Teuscher) is the real star of the show. There is a moment in the show where the whole audience was in tears watching Joseph sing “Close Every Door”. His voiced carries to every inch of that theater in such a way that we could feel exactly how Joseph felt when he was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.
The Ensemble is well cast from children to adults alike. It is fun when you see a child on stage and they are shining and you can see they want to be there and be a part of something special. That is what these kids are like. Every one of them shines!
Bethany Anderson, Max Teuscher, Lauren Sidwell
The direction by Debbie Ditton is a success. It appeared that she gave the actors so much power to use their strengths and build upon them. All the actors from adult to child branched out and created a character of their own. Choreographer Stephanie White has created dances and movement that work great for the show, appropriate to each song and each dancer, too. Jay Richards ’s set design works well for this show, and allows for excellent flow. She also choreographed the show, it was up to date and perfect for each generation that attended. Richards also conducted the orchestra flawlessly and the musicians were on point.
Though Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is an oft-produced show in Utah, don’t delay to see this version in Logan. You’ll be delighted as always with this fun show by Music Theatre West.
Music Theatre West presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Ellen Eccles Theatre, 43 S Main St, Logan, UT. 84321
February 22-23, 25, March 1 – 7:30 PM, March 2 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $17-$25
Contact: 435-752-0026
Music Theatre West Facebook Page
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Facebook Event
Lauren Sidwell, Bethany Anderson, Blake Webster, Travis Leonhardt, Ryan Leonhardt, Richard Cox, Kyle Pyfer, Steven Hanson, Peter Taylor, Nathan Jones, Clifton Richards, David Thunell, Owen Sidwell, Maxx Teuscher, James Larson, Richard Cox, Travis Leonhardt, Steven Hanson, Bryan Earl, Sebrina Woodland, Nathan Larson, Stephen Millsap
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