BWW Reviews: JOSEPH Falls Short of 'Amazing'

Joseph is once again traveling the country with his coat of many colors, so how does this reimagining of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat fare in the current musical landscape? The hardworking cast keeps the show lively and entertaining but the musical shows its age in structure and song.

The show tells the biblical tale of Joseph, favored son of Jacob, who is sold into slavery by eleven jealous brothers. Despite the hard knocks, Joseph, gifted with the ability to interpret dreams, rises to become the most powerful confidant of Egypt's pharaoh.

Ace Young, as Joseph, and Diana DeGarmo, as the Narrator, headline the show, but it is the supporting ensemble that holds the show together. Young, in particular, does not seem suited for the role of Joseph. While there is not much material for him to work with, Young overacts and his vocal capacity is not well-suited to the musical's style. DeGarmo, whose charisma knows no bounds, also does not seem the right fit for the vocal range written for the part of the Narrator. Some of her notes in the upper range border on screechy.

By contrast, the ensemble members are strong and have a ball deftly holding up their end of the bargain. Ryan Williams, as the Pharaoh, goes for broke with the Elvis-inspired number and hits it out of the park. The audience eats up his 'king' act. The band of actors playing Joseph's eleven brothers is also strong and won huge applause after several of the group scenes. The energy level of the show is high. Many scenes contain near frenetic action and choreography and the ensemble never reveals any weakness.

Joseph, the first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice, was originally produced as a cantata in 1968 and today the show feels dated. The narration structure does not lend itself to allowing the audience to become a part of the story. Rather, the story is simply recited for the audience. That structure creates a level of detachment that renders the audience incapable of truly connecting to the singular hero. Nor does the music do the show any favors. Songs like "Go, Go, Go Joseph" are undeniably catchy, but a sprinkling of catchy lyrics does not make up for other weaknesses. For example, "Joseph's Coat" may be a great tool for youngsters learning colors but listening to what becomes a recitation of a long list of colors does not make for engaging theater. The current production, directed by Andy Blankenbuehler, cannot overcome these weaknesses. While a valiant effort is given to keeping the energy high and the action moving, ultimately the show falls short of greatness.

Perhaps using the word 'amazing' in a title sets expectations that simply cannot be met. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat may be colorful, but it lacks depth beyond its bright outer coating.