JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at the 5th Avenue

Seattle's 5^th Avenue Theatre is presenting the 2^nd production in their season, Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" starring American Idol Finalist Anthony Fedorov in the title role.  Now there are those that say this show is overdone and nothing really new or fresh can be done with it.  I was one of those people.  To them (and to myself) I say, "Then you haven't seen the production at the 5^th Avenue yet."  Director James A. Rocco, Choreographer Jayme McDaniel and Music Director R.J. Tancioco manage to breathe life into an otherwise stale show that usually just goes through the motions that have been done so many times before. 

The Biblical story, based on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis, follows Joseph, the favored son of Jacob as he maneuvers through his life filled with jealous murderous brothers, being sold into slavery, becoming a Rich Woman's boy toy, being put in prison, and eventually saving Egypt.  And all set to some of the most up beat, toe tapping, happy making tunes to come out of musical theater.  No wonder this show has been done so often during it's over 35 year history.  So what could be fresh and new about this production?  Well, it's nothing major.  A few extended dance sequences brilliantly choreographed by Rocco and McDaniel.  Wonderfully original orchestrations by Tancioco and a revamped and pumped up Mega Mix at the end.  Add to that stunning and hilarious costumes, a simple yet interesting set and a cast that looks to be truly having a blast on stage, and even the most overdone of shows can be new again.

And speaking of the cast, this just proves what amazing talent we have here in Seattle.  Jennifer Paz shines as the Narrator from the moment she sets foot on stage.  Not only does she have a remarkable voice but she completely engages the audience by actually telling the story.  So often the Narrator of this show just sings pretty.  Paz really conveys the tale in a way that we can't wait to hear what's next.  Richard Gray and Pamela Turpen totally steal the one scene they are in as Potipher and the adulterous Mrs. Potipher.  And a special mention for the 11 incredible actors playing Joseph's brothers, David Alewine, Logan Benedict, Mo Brady, Gabriel Corey, Marc dela Cruz, Michael Dela Cruz, Ben Gonio, Daniel C. Levine, Brandon O'Neill, Dane Stokinger and Troy L. Wageman.  These boys manage to walk away with practically the entire show with their energy, humor and campy portrayal of what can be throw away roles. 

I was really only a little disappointed by Fedorov as Joseph and Billy Joe Huels as Pharaoh.  Huels gives a passable Elvis impression but it was a bit lacking in energy.  And speaking of lack of energy, Fedorov just looked a bit lost and stiff whenever he was on stage.  And since he's the title character, that's a lot.  The only time he seemed to open up was at the end during the Joseph Mega Mix.  This confused me even more since I had to wonder where this energy was for the rest of the show.  He has a great voice and he looks the part but I found myself wanting more and hoping the brothers would come back on stage.

All in all it's a really solid show and definitely worth seeing, especially if you've never seen it before.  And if the two leads I mentioned manage to bring themselves up to the level of the fabulously over the top ensemble, then this production could be the bar by with all others are judged. 

Oh, and one final note.  On opening night we were treated to a little extra something that other audiences will not get.  After the bows they handed Fedorov a mic and I thought, "Oh great, another American Idol is going to sing his latest single before they let us leave" harkening back to the embarrassing and over commercial Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel in "Grease" fiasco from last season.  But no, Fedorov called a young man up on stage who proceeded to propose to his girlfriend in front of everyone.  It's a good thing she said, "yes".  It was quite cute and everyone ate it up.  So to Arthur and Rachel, CONGRATS!

"Jospeh and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" plays at Seattle's 5^th Avenue Theatre through November 1^st.  For tickets or information contact the 5^th Avenue box office at 206-625-1900 or visit them online at www.5thavenue.org.

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