I first saw Joseph in the 70's in Brighton when it returned every year by popular demand. In that production heart-throb of the day, Jess Conrad, took the lead, establishing a tradition that has seen many male stars who want to broaden their scope touring venues the length and breadth of the country
This was the show that launched Jason Donovan, Robin Cousins and Philip Schofield onto an unsuspecting theatre-going public.
A simple story lifted from the Bible, Joseph was originally devised by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice for the Colet Court School. Building on its popularity, the show was expanded from the original 20 minute narrated piece in 1968 to a one hour show in 1972 and thence to the current full length show which was reborn in 1991 with Jason Donovan in the lead.
The current touring production has no need of a star name to draw the crowds in. Eaton James leads a very capable ensemble through the myriad of musical styles that ensure that everyone has at least one favourite segment of the show. From schmaltzy ballad (Close Every Door, Any Dream Will Do) to Elvis impersonation (Song of The King) to calypso (Benjamin Calypso) the young and young at heart equally find something to sing along to. With several very hummable songs to stick in your mind and annoy the hell out of you for weeks to come, an enjoyable evening was rounded off with the customary joke quotation of the Jesus Christ Superstar theme worked into the finale, an in-joke originated by Lloyd Webber when conducting a version for Granada Television. There is also a reference to Phantom in Joseph's finale mask.
While the storyline is a simple one of youngest son derided for his flashy coat, sold off to passing merchants and being thrown into prison only to emerge as a court favourite when his ability to interpret dreams is discovered, the production rises above it.
Simply but imaginatively staged, the large cast double up as chorus, dancers, clowns and named parts. With lots of humour this is truly a family show for all the family with ne'er a bad word uttered.
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at DeMontfort Hall, Leicester until 6th January and then on to The Charter Theatre, Preston 16-20 January, The Theatre Royal, Brighton 5-10 February, The Festival Theatre, Malvern 5-10 March and The Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe 19-24 March 2001
Published on Gay UK Net © Paul Towers 19/12/2000
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