Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber certainly sought inspiration in the right place when putting together the musical Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat back in 1968. The Biblically inspired narrative of dream translator Joseph, his jealous eleven brothers and the coat of many colours has since become a worldwide stage hit.
In more recent times, the musical inspired a popular BBC TV series entitled Any Dream Will Do which saw several potential stars auditioning for the role of Joseph in the esteemed presence of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Bill Kenwright's Production Of Joseph Enthrals Audiences Of All Ages
Blazing onto the stage with a flash of colour to a backdrop of ancient and modern scenery combining Egyptian monoliths, Bill Kenwright's production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat commenced a two week run at Cardiff New Theatre on November 1, 2011.
The audience consisting of children and adults were enthralled as the musical adventures of unfolded on stage through a combination of memorable songs and tight dance routines interspersed with comical interjections provided by inflatable sheep, singing camels and three dimensional thought balloons.
Keith Jack Takes The Lead As Joseph
Any Dream Will Do finalist, Keith Jack heads a magnificent ensemble cast as Joseph whose ability to translate dreams gets him into trouble with everyone from his brothers to Potiphar. Keith Jack’s performance mixes charisma with a winning smile as he takes the lead on Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do.
Understudy Anouska Eaton pulled the narrative together as the omnipresent storyteller, singing in a style very reminiscent of Julie Andrews. Adam Jarrell stole the show with his rock n roll portrayal of The King - Pharaoh as he gave a very Elvis like performance of The Song of the King.
All the songs are brought to life by the ensemble cast through a variety of musical styles.These included Those Canaan Days, One More Angel In Heaven and Song Of The King which were given French Tragedy, Country and Rock treatments respectively. Providing atmospheric backing vocals to many of the songs were The Joseph Choir consisting of members of the Mark Jermin Stage school who also had a chance to shine in their own slot at the beginning of the second act.
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat's Musical Finale
There were many visual spectacles to keep the audience entertained too, from Pharaoh’s show-biz entry amidst a shower of fireworks to the colourful reveal of Joseph’s Technicolor coat.
The show finished with a grand musical finale of songs performed as a medley, with which the audience wholeheartedly joined in. From this, it was easy to see why Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is still a popular draw after four decades.
- Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat continues at Cardiff New Theatre until November 13, 2011
