Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s groovy Genesis musical can be a tricky chameleon making its way across the desert. It contains back to back changes in musical style. Directors are challenged to draw countless caricatures. There are also shifting inspirations for ensemble or solo movement.
These requirements are met and celebrated in the current Chatswood Musical Society production. An enjoyable, expressive telling of the biblical story about the dream interpreter Joseph, son of Jacob, bursts forth with technicolour success.
The orchestra is led through changing musical styles clearly. It provides a controlled accompaniment for the cast. There is a good balance between voices of all ages and the instruments.
A big Old Testament shout must go out to the inexhaustible, well-costumed adult ensemble. We see securely characterised brothers, wives, and palace attendants manage several styles of music and comedy with clear, well-trained delivery. The slick full-ensemble choreography has impressive unison moments.
The omnipresent role of Narrator by Kathy Xenos is incredibly engaging. She is a natural singer and storyteller. Nathan Stark’s focused vocals, dancing and presence as Joseph are a gift to this production. Stark’s fresh, modern interpretation of Close Every Door from his prison cell, and the depths of Neil Shotter’s innovative set illuminates all darkness anywhere.
The role of Pharaoh has a cool Graceland edge in the hands of Brian M Logan. Briana Scutts prowls above the pyramids as Mrs Potiphar with her evil eye fixed on the latest slave to arrive in Egypt.
For my biblical buck, the beret goes off to the brothers’ Those Canaan Days, a great moment of chanson triste, complete with a dance duo at its climax. The famous Benjamin Calypso was another fine creation from this ensemble, with Edwin Estanislao joyous as brother Judah.
Take the time to see this colourful and talented cast of all ages tell a bit of the Bible through the styles of pop, calypso, rock n roll, country and western and more. It could fill a larger venue, perhaps without the use of a less than contemporary curtain to pull back when negotiating full cast on stage.
JOSPEH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT opened at the Zenith Theatre, Chatswood on Friday 10th May and is playing until Saturday 18th May, 2013.