By Emily Lawrence
Timpanogos Valley Theatre (TVT) adroitly presented its anniversary production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat this August, under guidance from Heber City and the Wasatch County Health Department, despite an original halt six months ago due to Covid-19. On a brand new stage built by Jack Sheehan and brightly painted by Maddalena Willis, beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s pop-cultured musical retelling of a classic biblical story came to life in front of an eager audience, socially distanced across the lawn outside TVT’s historic home.
TVT was doubly motivated to produce Joseph this year,considering 2020 is the musical’s 50th anniversary and was the first play performed by TVT in its current home, the historic Heber City Social Hall, a full decade ago. When rehearsals were abruptly cancelled in March 2020, cast and crew were unsure of what the future held. By the time TVT gathered resources and made the decision to go forward with Joseph, several cast members were unavailable or unable to continue. However, under the steady and creative influence of Director Kristen Hughes and Producer Nathan Moulton, a new cast emerged and adapted necessary infection-control protocols during rehearsals.
Grant Rigby portrayed a relatable, lovable Joseph, thrilling the crowd with his dance moves and smooth voice. G. Rigby ably drew the audience in, even in his solo moments on the stage. In “Close Every Door,” I felt alone in my own jail cell, and when he performed “Any Dream Will Do,” I felt a mysterious sense of hope and possibility.
Narrators Rochelle Flores and Ashley Jarrett grounded the play with their combined powerhouse voices. While they portrayed mature skill throughout, their excitement and cheerful partnership was on fire during the mega-mix curtain call. They gave each other a moment to shine, and the audience responded with cheers almost as robust as Jarrett’s final note.
Choreographers Raylene Cottle and Lydia Pullan creatively used the social distancing stipulation in their dance numbers, only having cast members touch when they were from the same family. Had the announcer not mentioned this before Joseph began, however, I might not have even noticed; the storytelling wasn’t inhibited in the slightest.
Every member of the ensemble cast was highly animated and stayed in character, popping with personality on all corners of the stage. The Brothers, Canaan Women and Pharoah Fans were brilliant. I thought the Harley-esque gang of Ishmaelites who bought Joseph during “Poor, Poor Joseph” were particularly adorable.
Eli Carlson employed a bold and crowd-pleasing voice as Potiphar, while Cottle showcased fantastic dance moves in a shiny red jumper, as Potiphar’s wife. The funniest solo goes to Liam Mackle, who wore an exotic fruit hat and sashayed his hips around the stage in “Calypso.”
Speaking of costumes, the famous colorful coat sported by G. Rigby was designed and created by Kathleen Hughes. Worth noting are the 60s dresses and white knee-high gogo boots in “Go, Go, Go Joseph.” Director Kristen Hughes and April Owens designed remarkable costumes with careful attention to detail. The Pharaoh Fans were outfitted in green sequin shirts, feathered shoulder pieces and black wigs, presenting a cohesive and striking scene for “Song of the King” and “Pharaoh’s Dream Explained.”
Unfortunately, the Pharaoh himself, played by Steve Stoddard (who appeared in the original TVT Joseph 10 years ago) wasn’t able to shine as much as possible, given his microphone malfunctioned in all of his solos. I could tell he was a talented singer, though, from my relatively close spot on the lawn. He didn’t miss a beat because of the problem, and neither did his fully supportive cast members.
Audible and delightfully recognizable voices came from sisters Abbie Scott, a Canaan Woman, and Maggie Scott, a Pharaoh Fan. A. Scott and M. Scott along with Lydia Pullan enlivened “One More Angel In Heaven,” with a fun clogging routine.
Heber Valley Children’s Choir Directors Aly Heywood, Jamie Whittier, and Joni Olson were able to seamlessly incorporate their singers into the production. Angelic children’s voices of HVCC uplifted and bolstered Joseph’s wholesome vibe.
Special mention goes to Christian Rigby, Technical Director/ Sound, and Ben Potter, Lighting, who stepped up to the challenge of producing the show outdoors.
TVT’s Joseph was resilient, adaptive, and sprinkled with good-humored references to the current pandemic, including using a yellow Lysol can as a prop for Joseph’s golden cup. Several cast bios mention joy and gratitude in the program for the opportunity to perform alongside family members. In this production especially, the spirit of coming together despite all odds was a prevalent and pervading theme. TVT’s collaborative resourcefulness and creative problem solving in bringing Joseph to the community in 2020 is a perfect reminder of how and why the show must, indeed, go on.
Timpanogos Valley Theatre presented Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Tim Rice.
Timpanogos Valley Theatre, 90 N 100 W, Heber City, UT 84032
August 12-22, 2020, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $10, $50 max per household
Timpanogos Valley Theatre Official Website
Timpanogos Valley Theatre Facebook Page
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Facebook Event
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