“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” – Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

Chris Curcio July 12, 2010 Theater 2 Comments

This review aired on KBAQ July 12, 2010

SIZZINGLY SPLASHY “JOSEPH” AT BROADWAY PALM DINNER THEATRE

“JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT”
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Mesa, AZ

Prior to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Evita” and “The Phantom of the Opera” successes, he introduced his rockin’ and rollin’ musical sound in 1973s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Mesa’s Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is reviving the popular show using the re-orchestrated 1991 version that makes the score zestier.

The new version further intensified the show’s popularity. The Biblical story traces Joseph, son of Jacob and Rachel, who was sold into Egyptian slavery by his opportunistic brothers. The ever-clever Joseph impresses the Pharaoh who appoints him Prime Minister. Using his exalted position, Joseph saves the Jews from famine by giving them Egyptian grain. Lloyd Webber uses the simplistic story as an excuse to introduce a succession of elaborate production numbers that combine the historic story with a contemporary slant that parallels the tale to present day situations.

The bright and tuneful Lloyd Webber songs aren’t remarkable but they are enormously raucous, humable ditties that allow eye-popping and dazzlingly energetic dances as the simple story unfolds predictably. “Joseph” isn’t great theater but it is certainly entertaining and captivating.

Millie Garvey briskly stages and choreographs the sizzlingly splashy Broadway Palm production that is well sung by an impressive adult cast and is boosted by an amazingly focused children’s chorus who together seamlessly craft an exuberant, spirited, and spunky production.

The children’s chorus change throughout the show’s run. Until July 18 and again August 6 to the 8, the East Valley Children’s Theatre provides polished sheen as these young kids perform like experienced troupers by handling tricky dance routines and demanding singing chorus’ that weave in and out of the show as this talented troupe ably supports the polished adult ensemble.

As Joseph, Patrick J. Darab smiles winningly, sings with exalted clarion poise as he models a succession of colorful garments including the flashy and elaborate coat of the show’s title. As the show’s Narrator, Virginia Cavaliere sings lustily as she keeps the story progressing as she sings about the obvious twists and turns in the none-too-complex plot. Of the large ensemble, Alexander Nathan shines as the Elvis Presley clone Pharaoh. The show’s designers make the Broadway Palm stage glitter with bright colors. JR McAlexander’s tiny band plays the score with a bright briskness giving the Lloyd Webber score the full bodied sound it demands.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is a breezy and polished staging that provides perfect family summer entertainment. It continues through August 21. For tickets, call the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre box office at 480-325-6700 or go online to www.broadwaypalmwest.com.

Grade: B

(4/5)

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2 Responses to ““Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” – Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre”

  1. Twyla Preising said:

    Jul 15, 10 at 09:53

    I was somewhat disappointed in the show. The narrator did not have the range to do the job well in the singing required and the entire show relied too much on gimmicks. The children were an annoyance and I felt like I was watching an elementary school show – also thought that the children hindered seeing the “Go, Go Joseph” number. The actors for Joseph, The Pharaoh and the “Calypso” number were great but the Hale Center in Gilbert made this production pale in comparison.

  2. Cole Bowgren said:

    Nov 14, 12 at 21:23

    phantom of the opera is still one of the best plays ever, even by todays standards.^

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