By Meg Larson
Despite the rain, it was so worth it to drive down to Sandy to see Sandy Arts Guild’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Sandy Amphitheatre. As your basic Utahn, I have heard the story of Joseph from the Bible countless times, and this colorful musical tells it in a bizarre and humorous way, while still maintaining the powerful messages from the original texts in Genesis.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the story of Joseph’s family and his coat of many colors, written by Andrew Lloyd Weber with lyrics by Tim Rice. Joseph is Jacob’s favorite son and is blessed with the ability to interpret dreams. This causes Joseph’s jealous brothers to sell him into slavery. After facing unimaginable challenges, Joseph finds himself second in command to the Pharaoh, and eventually reunited with his family.
As the show begins, during the overture, the pit orchestra, conducted by Nate Holcomb had a couple tuning flaws, but ultimately impressed me as the show went on. The story really comes to life when the Narrator (Taneesa Wright) first enters the stage. As the most vital role in Joseph, Wright does an amazing job considering her lengthy stage time; especially with her vocals as she tells the story of Jacob (Neldon Maxfield), and his twelve sons, focusing on his favorite son Joseph (Russell Maxfield). Neldon and Russell have a tender relationship throughout the show that captivates the audience throughout the story. Russell later leaves me absolutely speechless with his performance of “Close Every Door”; especially with the following song featuring the adorable Children’s Choir, as they encourage him not to lose hope.
Joseph’s brothers steal the show with their humor and energy onstage. They easily keep the audience laughing through the entire show. Alongside the brothers are their wives, who do an absolutely fabulous job with the difficult vocals in this show, while dancing their hearts out. An anonymous wife told me that “it isn’t hard fawning over [Joseph] in the show. He is super attractive,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Director/Choreographer Lisa Noyes does a fantastic job in both departments. The choreography was probably my favorite part. Every different style of dance is spot on and I was in awe. In addition to the dancing, Music Director Holcomb does an incredible job as this music is insanely difficult. The set design and lighting are both done by Spencer Brown in a clever way that adds the extra colorful effect that is vital for the show. The costuming by Karen Chatterton is also phenomenal, especially Joseph’s stunning coat.
Sandy Arts Guild’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat leaves the audience with light and happy feelings; the message that no matter what hardships you face in this life, things will work out, just like they did for Joseph. This is a family-friendly show and an excellent production for all to see, so come to the beautiful Sandy Amphitheatre and choose this open door to entertainment.
Sandy Arts Guild presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat written by Andrew Lloyd Weber, lyrics by Tim Rice
Sandy Amphitheatre, 1245 East 9400 South, Sandy UT 84070
August 3-4, 6-11 8:30-10:00 PM
Tickets: $8-16 can be purchased at the box office or from this link.
Contact: 801-568-2787
Sandy Arts Guild Facebook Page
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Facebook Event
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