By Skyler Bluemel
I was pleasantly surprised and warmed to witness the focus of community and unity brought into Bluffdale Arts’ production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The term “community theatre” strikes a different chord with each person. Some see it as a place for artists with too little talent to try to make it big, others consider it a society of refuge and hobby, and still others view it as a place for refining artistic skills. Most people focus on the “theatre” part of the term. Bluffdale Arts’ production of Joseph is all about community—and it works.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, has proven a Utah favorite for decades. It tells the biblical story of Jacob of Egypt (“Israel”) and his 12 sons, including his favorite, Joseph. The 11 not-so-favored brothers grew jealous of Joseph and the lavish gifts bestowed upon him by their father, so they sold him into Egyptian slavery and spun a tale of valor that ended in his gruesome death. Well, due to Joseph’s hard work, innocent charm, grounded moral compass, and a heavenly gift for interpreting dreams, he quickly rose through the ranks and became Pharaoh’s Vizier, or number-two man. After famine struck Canaan, Joseph’s family found themselves forced to beg the Egyptian monarchy for food. Unbeknownst to them, they begged and groveled at the feet of their own brother. After a quick scheme executed by Joseph, he found his brothers changed and honest men, reuniting the entire family in Egypt.
Bluffdale Arts’ interpretation represented a lot of classic choices one would expect from a Utah production: local and modernized props, melodramatic humor, and creative use of colors. However, they also included gems such as real instruments in the Calypso, an amusing argyle sweater on Potiphar, and a simple, yet very versatile and efficient set. And I don’t care how many times you’ve seen Joseph – when the enormous color coat debuts on stage in the end, your heart has no choice but to swell with childish wonder.
There were two moments that won my heart during this performance of Joseph: the emotional conviction of “Close Every Door”, and the flood of young performers onto the stage during “Go, Go, Go Joseph” at the end of Act 1. I have seen very few, if any, performances of “Close Every Door” as riveting and captivating as Paul Kipping’s – he is pure magic in the title role of Joseph. Shortly after, the stage became packed with children and young artists – there was barely any room to dance. I later confirmed the cast has nearly 200 performers! It was a moment of wonder and awe. It awoke a realization of purpose in me; a purpose of community theatre. I began looking for more communal and unifying evidence throughout the show; I found plenty. I felt a surge of love, devotion, and passion for their humble tribute to Utah theatre.
While speaking with Director Laura Garner afterwards, she expressed her love for nurturing young talent and providing safe places for people to explore and grow. I realized that Bluffdale’s version of Joseph exuded heart and dedication – something that is often forgotten when striving for perfection and constant improvement.
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By experiencing this production, you will feel the pure love of theatre and the months of passionate dedication willingly given. Isn’t that worth celebrating? Do yourself a favor and witness the sense of community and the love of the arts that is Bluffdale Arts’ Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Bluffdale Arts Advisory Board presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber
Oquirrh Hills Middle School 12949 2700 W, Riverton, UT 84065
April 19-21, 2018 7:30 PM, Matinee April 21 1:00 PM
Tickets: $8 general, $7 Seniors and groups 4+
Bluffdale Arts Facebook Page
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