From March 30 – April 13, the Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Mile theatre present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Tickets start at $46. This musical features songs by the well-known composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. This play is a fun, modern, and colorful adaptation of the biblical story of Jacob and his 12 sons.
The musical starts with the children’s youth choir singing their way up the aisle of the auditorium. Once on stage, they are greeted by the Narrator (played by Amy Miller Brennan), who tells the tale of a young man named Joseph and the power of his dreams. The children remain seated on benches on either side of the stage throughout the show. Their presence is subtle, but the moments where they are incorporated into the action of the production, make for a delightful atmosphere. This also allows the audience to see the story through the eyes of the children.
In the story, Joseph, the youngest and favorite son of Jacob, is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, who then deceive their father in thinking Joseph is dead. Once into Egypt, Joseph is thrown into jail after a misunderstanding with his master, the Potipher. In time, Joseph’s ability to tell the future by interpreting dreams garners the Pharaoh’s attention. Joseph is released from prison and becomes one of the highest ranking officers in Egypt. Years later, after suffering from famine, Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt to ask for help from an official not knowing that his true identity is Joseph. Joseph reveals himself only after testing their loyalty to one another by falsely accusing one of them of theft. In the end of the story Jacob and all of his sons are, once again, happily reunited.
As the narrator, Miller Brennan adds a sweetness and animation to her character, and not to mention that amazing voice that would surely lift the spirits of anyone fortunate enough to listen to it. She hits every note with ease and remains present throughout the show even when she is not a main part of the scene.
Joseph Canfield is incredible playing the role of Joseph. He has a way of making the story fun and, with his lovely singing voice, allows the audience to understand and feel the characters’ emotions. There also seems to be a growth for the character during the play from the younger brother, to a sold slave, and eventually to a high position as one of Pharaoh’s officials. Canfield demonstrates this growth flawlessly.
The songs are fabulously composed and very well sung. The costumes are brightly colored and fun, and the entire cast makes this a show one that should not be missed.
