Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Reviewed by Holly Bartges

Something there is about eyes that tell the story, When they shine like stars, you know immediately something special is going on.

Andrew Caldwell as Joseph in Town Hall’s production of MJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Traci Kern didn’t have to tell me after the show she’s dreamed of performing the Narrator in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat since she was a little girl. The second the spot caught her on stage at Littleton’s Town Hall, her eyes told the story before her gorgeous voice launched into the tale about a boy named Joseph and eleven jealous brothers.

When direction, choreography, music, characters and actors meld into a sense of oneness, the eyes speak volumes. Directed and choreographed by the insightful, magical Nick Sugar and Donna Debreceni’s musical direction, Joseph rocks! Granted, Town Hall clings to a history of incredible productions, but the Box Office and audience loudly announce Joseph captures first place as its most successful production to take center stage.

In an air of humility, compassion, and gratitude, Andrew Caldwell as Joseph immediately connects with the audience in the beginning phrases of “Any Dream Will Do.”

The entire cast grabs hold of the well-known, well-loved story telling it as though it has never before been told. This production rocks from the tips of the toes to the crown of the head.

No one should miss this production no way, no how, no nothing.

Caldwell’s golden voice fills the notes of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice going beyond beauty to spiritual aliveness. Caldwell not only wears Joseph’s musical portrait as painted by Webber and Rice, he wears Joseph’s heart, soul, and unusual talent to interpret dreams. Caldwell wears Joseph.

The brothers: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Napthali, Issachar, Asher, Dan, Zebulan, Gad, Benjamin, and Judah as portrayed by Scott McLean, Tony Rivera, Todd Peckman, Travis Risner, Mark Middlebrooks, Keegan Flaugh, Kevin Doherty, Nick Henderson, Brian Murray, Matthew Kepler, and Phillip Martin not only sing and dance with sharp precision, but maintain individual personalities. Not an easy trick to pull off and sustain as a chorus. They do.

Some strike out in bold cockiness as McLean does as Reuben with the song “One More Angel In Heaven.” Others like Benjamin stick with their brothers in a far more subdued way. Kepler’s Benjamin shrivels in uncertain dismay when falsely accused of stealing Joseph’s gold cup.

With music that runs the gambit from country, to ballad, to calypso, the brothers drop the jaw with incredible choreography, sharp voices, and yet there is the wanting to study each one individually for their unique personalities.

Eric Fry brings distinct differences in humor as both Jacob and Potiphar. It’s not just the two costumes separating the two characters, it’s Fry.

Joseph doesn’t have a chance against Paula L. Bach’s seductive rambunctious entrapment as Mrs. Potiphar. She’s delicious.

Bravo to Peckman for his wonderful infiltration of Pharoah. Yes, Pharoah equals King, claiming an impersonation of Elvis, always a crowd pleaser. Peckman takes the role a step further than the traditional repetitive “Uh-Huh” that always says “Look at me. I’m the King”. Adding a variety of reactive emotions, he creates a distinct characterized human being rather than a stereotypical role.

The Children’s Chorus consisting of Maria Giovanetti, Zoe Miller, Chase Nelson, Tyler Daugherty, Jordan Haleigh Morgan, Clayton Fejes, Anna Melkonian, and Alexandra Wilson deserve special attention. These aren’t just a group of children in costumes filling spaces dictated by the script. Their professional attentiveness to what they are doing takes the breath away. Some play a variety of different roles. These are actors in character, taking their places seriously, sliced with humor, and they are a wonder to behold.

Costumes designed by Linda Morkin not only fit the characters but the actors as well adding to the sparkled intensity of the production. Except for, and it has to be said: the coat. The coat of many colors given to Joseph by his adoring father, Jacob is too short, not full enough, too flimsy, sporting colors of conflicting tones fighting each other. The title, after all is Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This coat stands far away from being Amazing much less a Dreamcoat.

Charles Packard’s scenic design dazzles with intensity fitting snugly onto the stage as though it belonged, providing the actors room to breathe life into one hundred percent total enchantment.

Jennifer Otto-Zedalis’ lighting design laughs with the humor, confines Joseph in his prison cell, bends with the musical moods, and spotlights the enchanted.

The one theatrical crime is that Joseph quickly comes to the end of its run. Would that Town Hall could extend this awesome, breath taking production. Don’t wait.