Go, go, go see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat right now.
Spinning with energy, song and dance, the Drayton Entertainment production of the Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice’s musical is magnificent.
As the Bible story goes, Joseph’s 11 brothers become jealous after their father presents Joseph with a dazzling coat of many colours. The brothers hatch a plan to do away with him, but his duteous personality and ability to interpret dreams lift Joseph to great heights in Egypt.
Audiences will love this vivid rendition of the famous production, with favourites like Go, Go, Go Joseph, Any Dream Will Do and Joseph’s Coat.
The musical, directed by Max Reimer, runs from March 1 to April 2 at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge and will return to Drayton Festival Theatre from May 17 to June 4.
Joseph is played by familiar Jamie McKnight, who has appeared as Prince Charming in Cinderella: The Panto and Aladdin in Aladdin: The Panto. His demeanour gave Joseph a lovable but bashful appearance but when McKnight performed Close Every Door, his powerful voice filled the theatre and sent shivers up the spine.
Lovable and charming Danielle Wade shines like a star as the narrator. Wade has been seen previously as Cinderella in Cinderella: The Panto, Ariel in Footloose, Sophie in Mamma Mia! and Anne in Anne of Green Gables. Her well-developed voice led the entire production, connecting each number perfectly.
Patriarch Jacob (Wayne Berwick) led the brothers played by Justin Bott (Simon), Jeremy Carver-James (Judah), Sheldon Davis (Levi and Potiphar), Sam DiGiuseppe (Gad and Butler), Mark Harapiak (Reuben), Mike Jackson (Issachar), David Light (Dan), Isaac Lupien (Zebulon), Erik Markewich (Naphtali), Colin Sheen (Asher and Baker) and Tyrell Witherspoon (Benjamin). The team worked well together, conquering the stage with amazing choreography by Gino Berti.
Jackson also takes on the entertaining role of the Pharaoh. He had the audience laughing and whistling as he sang the Elvis-inspired Song of the King. His voice lacked definition, however, and the “Pharaoh’s dream” was lost to the music.
Kalie Hunter, Shelley Kenney, Judy Kovacs, Laurin Padolina, Christina Watson and Riley McCoy, who also debuts with Drayton Entertainment as Mrs. Potiphar, round out the stunning ensemble.
The children’s choir was both entertaining and talented. The choir rocked the 29-colour song of Joseph’s Coat.
With such a big cast and a small stage, Berti efficiently made sure the scene never felt over-crowded. Set designer Jean Claude Olivier created the kaleidoscopic world of Joseph and costume designer Rachel Berchtold brought to life his coat of many colours.
Music director Anthony Bastianon played true to Rice and Lloyd Weber’s vision of the musical, which included the French-style Those Canaan Days, western One More Angel in Heaven, Calypso Benjamin Calypso and jazz Joseph’s Dreams.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is an absolute must-see and fun for all ages.
Tickets are $46 for adults and $27 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more and selected discount dates are $37. HST applies to all ticket prices.
Purchase tickets online at draytonentertainment.com, in person at the box office or by calling toll-free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
