UFOMT’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved classic Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Lyrics by Tim Rice is absolute fun from start to finish. Sung in English with English Subtitles projected, you won’t miss any of the creative and often hilarious lyrics. Director and Choreographer Valerie Rachelle has put together a veritable feast for your senses.
With a continuously changing scaffolding set (Patrick Larsen), costumes complete with the beautiful colored coat that actually lights up (Amanda Profaizer), and stage lighting of every color (Chris Wood), the stage matches the energy of a lively and incredibly talented ensemble. There is certainly no lack of excitement or color everywhere you look – and listen to for that matter. With Dallas Heaton, Yenling Chen, and James Bankhead overseeing the orchestra and music, it’s all wow!
You’ll wig over how fantastic Melyssa Swensen makes everyone look onstage with her makeup and wig expertise. The variety of costumes and hairstyles matchcountry the extensive array of different musical genres – this familiar biblical story about the family of Jacob (Jonathan Ray) and his favorite 12th son Joseph is told in everything from Country Western to Disco to Rock and Roll.
From the get go, the incredibly engaging narrator (Adrien Swenson) pulls you into the story when she begins telling it to a group of children. Swenson’s vocals are beautiful and full of energy from beginning to end. And that is a lot. She’s the glue who holds all the zany pieces together, and she partners up with the star of the story as well, none other than – Joseph himself (Timothy Stewart).
Stewart absolutely nails the part of Joseph. He’s got incredibly strong vocals, an excellently bright and fun stage presence, and tons of energy. He’s so entertaining and tells the story with his emotions. They shift and change as he goes from star of the family to slave to prisoner and then to superstar Egyptian leader. Especially moving is his performance of “Close Every Door.”
As his father Jacob’s favorite, he’s given a coat of many colors to signify his father’s exceptional affection for him. The thing is, though, Stewart’s A+ performance of Joseph just might convince you of why he’s the favorite. Ray’s fatherly character of Jacob is emphasized by his rich singing voice and kindly characterization of father Israel. The stage relationship between the two is touching, especially at the end when they’re reunited after a long separation.
The school children you meet at the beginning is certainly no ordinary group, but an awesome Children’s Chorus (including members of the Cache Children’s Choir) of kids who are active participants in the show, and will especially wow you with their magical presence during “Close Every Door.”
The other eleven brothers (John Tibbetts, Nathaniel Voth, Christian Harward, Kareem Mack, Timothy McGowan, Ben Jessop, Alex Spence, Hunter Yocom, Jared Rounds, Jimmy Henderson, Levi Hopkins) make up a pretty amazing men’s chorus. Their antics to get rid of Joseph are extremely entertaining and then their huge hoe down of celebration is full of some wonderful dancing. They all work together to react properly to their dad’s entrances and exits as they try to convince him that their little brother died. They’re just so sad that “There’s One More Angel in Heaven.” But not really. The brothers show up and then some in the nearly melodramatic French style “Those Canaan Days.” You’ll be laughing for days over that piece alone.
There are some really funny details, like the ‘hairy Ishmaelites’ who roll in as skater punks (including Ben Ballam), the brothers sell Joseph to them and although they’re only onstage a short time, you’ll remember them. Joseph’s new master Potiphar (Lee Daily) brings some really fun energy to the stage as the rich and respected but slightly silly master. His wild seductress wife portrayed by Casey Lamont is over the top sassy, sexy and evil in her own right. As dance captain, Lamont likely has a hand in some of the most entertaining dancing in the show.
The iconic part of Pharaoh the King, who is an impersonation of the legendary Elvis Presley, is portrayed only too perfectly by Michael Colman. His costume is huge and all glitz and glam – kudos to Profaizer on that one. Colman is flamboyant, sings like a Rock and Roll king, and is all into himself in such a hilarious way. You’ll love him.
In truth, you’ll love Utah Festival Opera’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It’s approachable for all ages and the lights and color and energy make it entertaining for kids. You’ll laugh and cry – and maybe even laugh till you cry. Utah Festival Opera’s production of Joseph is an unforgettable masterpiece and just too much fun.
Go catch tickets to the final performance!
August 6, 2022 7:30 PM
Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre Presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Book by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Tim Rice.
Ellen Eccles Theatre, 43 Main St., Logan, UT 84321
August 6, 2022 7:30 PM
Tickets: $38-82
Contact: 800-262-0074 x3
Utah Festival Opera Facebook Page
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