Stagecrafters Captures the Vibrant World of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’!
Is there any better way to close out a season than with a classic musical for audiences of all ages to enjoy? I don’t think so, and neither does Stagecrafters, which is ending their current main stage season with a production of the colorful and vibrant musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Baldwin Theatre! This local Royal Oak, MI, playhouse is once again looking to entertain audiences with a show that is larger than life and brimming with happiness and hope.
With music from the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard) and lyrics from Tim Rice (Evita, Chess, and Beauty and the Beast), this musical sets a biblical story to sing and dance. Stagecrafters captured the essence of the story with a distinct vision from director Rodel Salazar that moved Joseph into a modern era. Enriching the story with dynamic performances, stellar choreography, and, of course, the fantastic costumes that are just as colorful as the titular coat, this production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a feast for the eyes and a story that speaks to the soul.
Having never seen Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat before, I wasn’t prepared for the incredible experience that unfolded before my eyes. Want to know more about what you can expect from this Stagecrafters’ production? Then continue on for more about Joseph and his inspiring story!
[Warning: spoilers from stagecrafters Joseph are below!]
Joseph’s journey of self-discovery in Stagecrafters’ current production
There’s something special about the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis, so much so that it continues to be told generation after generation. It’s rich with symbolism and filled with hope, which is why it’s perfect for a museum’s live exhibit! As Stagecrafters’ production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens, audiences are welcomed into the museum by our three narrators, played by Patrick Kilbourn, Lindsey Walton, and Tessa Yeo. Together, these three weave the story of Joseph for those present in the museum for the exhibition, as well as the audience sitting removed from those on the stage.
The use of frame storytelling brings the audience into the drama, as the world of Joseph explodes with color as the actors begin to sing. Born one of thirteen boys, Joseph is most beloved by his father. Blessed with the gift of prophetic dreams, Joseph is revered by all, except for those brothers mentioned above. Jealous of his gift and the gorgeous coat given to him by his father, the 12 brothers decide to get rid of Joseph, thinking that his disappearance will solve all their problems.
Working together, selling Joseph into slavery, they believed that to be the end of his story and influence on their lives. However, fate has something else in store for the prophet, a journey that has only just begun with the loss of his family and his beautiful coat. Will he eventually be reunited with his father? What complications arise as he makes his way in Egypt? You’ll have to watch Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to see!
Vibrant costumes and striking sets bring this Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to life
Stagecrafters and the creatives of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat have crafted an outstanding visual world for this musical. Deciding to set the show within the confines of a museum, with the musical itself being an exhibit within, was a striking choice that ultimately worked for the show’s benefit. This allowed the initial museum set to become the focal point, while the story of Joseph moves in and around the pieces already in place. Moving the story into a museum instead of transporting audiences to the deserts of Egypt makes the experience even more immersive for the audience.
Almost everyone present has been to a similar exhibit at a museum at least once in their lives. We’ve witnessed a story happening around us, letting audiences live it instead of just observing it. Creating the museum as the focal point meant that the story of Joseph doesn’t necessarily have to feel as real or immersive, but instead adds a level of meta-ness to the show that makes it that much easier to buy into.
This production also creates a wonderful juxtaposition with the stark, earthy tones of the sturdy appearing museum set and the costumes created for Joseph and the other characters within the internal frame story. The stage exploded with the most vibrant colors I’ve ever seen in my life as Joseph and his siblings arrived on stage, making my mouth drop open in complete awe. I can’t remember seeing quite so much pigmentation in a show before, but with a name including the word Technicolor, it shouldn’t have been shocking. The use of color made the story of Joseph more engaging, creating an experience that entices all the senses.
A colorful cast makes Joseph an exciting theatrical experience
While the stage and costumes are extraordinary, the true magic stems from the incredible cast carrying Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on their shoulders. This Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is no easy feat to perform, as the entire show is told through song and dance. The show has little dialogue, as the narrative moves from one song to another. Shows such as this require a vast amount of talent, which Stagecrafter’s has in abundance.
Have you ever been so gobsmacked by a performance that it takes your breath away? That’s precisely the experience of watching Latress London on stage as Joseph. From the moment the banner rose, revealing him atop the theater exhibit, there was a star power to him that couldn’t be explained. He commanded the stage with a look or a strut, and moved the audience with his angelic vocals. His portrayal of Joseph was nothing short of magic and elevated this show from fantastic to unforgettable.
Speaking of unforgettable, Liz Schultz as the Pharaoh was easily one of the most memorable pieces of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The audience knew they were in for a treat when she stumbled onto stage with Dean Martin swagger. Playing the Pharaoh as a Vegas performer, allowing her to break the fourth wall of the museum to engage with the audience, added an additional layer that had me crying from laughing so hard. I’m not sure what I expected when she walked out onto the stage, but what we got was even better than anything I could imagine.
The harmonizing trio of narrators (Lindsey Walton, Patrick Kilbourn, and Tessa Yeo) did much of the heavy lifting of this show. Together, they sing from start to finish, weaving the story of Joseph and his family in a beautiful tapestry for all to witness. Without their melody to carry the narrative, the story would have been lost, and the color would have been washed out. All three excelled in their respective roles and had a talent of a professional caliber.
There’s a special place in my heart for the brothers of Joseph, who are just as crucial to the story as the titular character. Their actions, both good and bad, drive the story forward for everyone involved. They move in uniform fashion; however, there are a few that stand out amongst the rest.
Jo Banooni deserves special praise for their rendition of “Benjamin Calypso,” which was both a complete jam and a total tear-jerker. That sound is filled with so much love and compassion, a pivotal moment for the brothers, and Banooni did the song justice.
As well, James Richards as Simeon was hilarious in “Those Canaan Days,” which delivers a French feel in the middle of this Biblical tale. It was so completely left field that I found myself drawn to his every word. While the tonal shift might be jarring to some, Richards made it work with his character, delivering one of the finest moments of the show.
That being said, the song and performance that stuck with me the most was “One More Angel in Heaven,” led by Seth Grube. This actor exudes golden retriever energy in the most lovable way possible, which makes you love his character of Levi, even though he’s awful at times. Grube brings hilarity and humanity to this character, which is a feat that should be celebrated within the acting community, and Grube does so with such ease.
Stagecrafters captures the essence of Joseph perfectly
There are so many layers to a show such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat that I could write paper after paper. That being said, for every layer that there is, Stagecrafters did the work to do it justice. With the amount of passion that rolled off the stage, you can tell that everyone on and off stage has so much love for the story and show. Audiences couldn’t help but become enraptured with this production, which was a testament to the quality put forth. You’re never disappointed when you attend a Stagecrafters’ show, and this one is no different.
While Joseph and his coat of many colors might be gone, some incredible performances, such as Beetlejuice Jr. and Tuck Everlasting, are coming soon to Stagecrafters! Have you seen a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat before? Let us know your thoughts on social media @boxseatbabes!
