By Alayna Een
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a popular musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; it has been performed thousands of times, and this year it returns to the Tuacahn stage in Ivans, UT. Tuacahn’s desert landscape is the perfect setting for this Old Testament tale, which follows young Joseph, the favorite son of his father, Jacob. Joseph shares his prophetic dreams with his increasingly jealous but opportunistic brothers, who sell him into slavery to get him out of the picture. This leads Joseph on an adventure in Egypt and through several reversals of fortune until he becomes Pharoah’s right-hand man, leading Egypt through a famine. When Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt seeking food, Joseph creates a test to see if their hearts have changed, and the family is happily reunited. The narrator sings through the story and connects the varied musical numbers, which go through different genres of music, ranging from 60s to Western to Calypso. Each production of Joseph adds fun pop culture references and different takes on the themes so that while the story and music are familiar as ever, the audience experience is unique.
Tuacahn’s 2022 production of Joseph is easily the best I’ve ever seen. Every element is dialed up to an 11, making for a funny, culturally relevant, visually pleasing show. To quote from the chorus, “Joseph, how can we ever say all that we want to about you?” So I’ll hit on some of the most remarkable parts. The stage design (Adam Koch) is truly marvelous, incorporating dazzling screens (with Steven Royal’s compelling video design) that complement the whimsical sand dunes, the lighted pyramid, and the prison prisms. Amazing moving elements include camels, horses, and a stretch limo, but the audience favorite was the sheep and (screaming) goat puppets (designed by Lisa Leibering). Cory Pattak’s lighting heightens the drama and enhances every scene. I was pleasantly surprised by the reimagined musical setting (Cameron Kinnear music direction; Josh Liebert sound design) for several of the numbers that allow the actors’ musical style (especially David Archuleta) to shine within the established songs.
The action onstage matches the marvel of the stage design. The choreography (Robbie Roby) is great in every scene, from the physically demanding Western “One More Angel in Heaven” to the playful scene with Potiphar’s Wife to the new spin on “Go, Go, Go Joseph.” The costumes (Ryan Moller with Jeff Knaggs hair/wig/makeup) grow more impressive with each scene, from cowboy hats to Anubis caps, culminating in a stunning new version of the titular coat. Director Michael Heitzman cleverly capitalizes on Arthuleta’s fame and aspects of technology and meme culture to increase the overall humor of the show, and the audience can’t get enough.
This is David Archuleta’s theatrical debut, but the role of Joseph seems made for him. His smooth vocals and his youthful energy bring new life to the role. Katie LaMark is the Narrator, continually providing background and context while performing vocal gymnastics to meet the role’s demanding range. And with her stellar, show-stopping high notes, she really sticks the landing. Bryan Dobson is Jacob, and he adds a funny, bumbling aspect to the role, and he serves up the role of the Butler on a polished silver platter.
The brothers are animated and charismatic, both individually and as a group. Neil Starkenberg (Reuben) leads the group and is really fun to watch, especially in his solo song, “One More Angel in Heaven.” Michael Cárrasco’s Simeon is beautifully melancholy in his lead song “Those Canaan Days.” Finally, Rendell Debose’s Judah rich and colorful voice makes “Benjamin Calypso” an audience favorite. The sweet reunion between brothers at the end of the show is made especially tender by Casey Bagnall (Benjamin).
There are a lot of minor leads in Joseph (Potiphar and his wife, the Baker, and the Pharaoh), and each is a stellar performer. Kara Carlson brings a snakelike coolness and fluidity of movement to Potiphar’s Wife and Randal Keith’s Baker is both sympathetic and a great vocalist. The talented children’s choir adds interest and innocence to the show and is impressively professional.
Tuacahn’s Joseph pulls out all the stops: fireworks are perfectly timed with lyrics, Archuleta rises and sinks from the stage floor, and the all-out final number is a reprise-turned-pop-concert. This stunning spectacle is sure to please viewers of all ages. So Go, Go, Go to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Tuacahn Amphitheater in Ivans, UT!
The Tuacahn Center for the Arts Amphitheatre, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, UT 84738
July 16–Oct 20, 2022 8:45 PM (Varying days, David Archuleta performs until September 3)
Tickets: $32.00–$108.00 Ages 3+ Reserved Seating
Contact: 800-746-9882
Tuacahn Website
Tuacahn Facebook Page
*This nature-focused, family-friendly venue is always a great place to see a show, but you should come prepared with a poncho or light jacket in case of inclement weather and be aware that the start time may be delayed for rain.
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