Ten tap dancing Cleopatras is quite a sight
Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Producers: Soulstice Theatre at the Marian Center for Non-Profits
Directed by: data pending
Show length: 90 minutes (plus intermission)
While many theatres take it easy during the summer months, Soulstice Theatre is battling through with its largest and most demanding production of the year, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It has been a world wide favorite for just over 40 years, and comes with a built in audience wherever it goes. Serious and critical theatregoers may find its array of song and dance styles too frenetic and contrived, however, many families will enjoy the constant stimulation of costume changes and high energy.
Dreamcoat was the second show written by the team of Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice. It tells the story of Joseph from the Bible’s book of Genesis. As Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph is not very popular among his brothers and their wives. They are jealous of the wonderful coat that Jacob gives Joseph as a gift, so they concoct a plan to sell him into slavery and tell their father he’s been killed. Joseph endures slavery and prison until he interprets the Pharaoh’s dreams and becomes a powerful man in Egypt. Famine forces his Joseph’s family into Egypt. After seeing their devotion to each other, Joseph forgives them for their betrayal.
Josh Perkins is lively as the Elvis-inspired Pharaoh in “Song of the King.” Narrators Katie Lyn Hardt and Maria Jensen are lovely but at times are not able to carry the upbeat “Go, Go, Go Joseph” at the end of Act I. Steven Pfisterer is underwhelming as Joseph. Luckily, songs such as “Jacob and Sons,” “Joseph’s Coat” and “Poor, Poor Joseph” benefit from the use of the full ensemble.
The energy in this particular production comes from the twenty or so actors playing the brothers and wives, and also by the young actors from the Soulstice Theatre Arts School playing chorus parts. The STArS were obviously very excited to be on stage and the enthusiasm was endearing. Soulstice Theatre should be commended for not just touting their shows as family friendly, but for actually providing a fun and inspiring experience for children.
Soulstice Theatre’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat while abrupt in nature is potentially a sure winner with kids and hence, their parents. With the wide range of summer entertainment in Milwaukee, families should certainly make time for Soulstice Theatre.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs through August 15 at the Marian Center. For tickets or more information visit their website at www.soulsticetheatre.org or call 414.431.3187.
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Something about reading a review where the first 4 paragraphs basically detail the reasons the reviewer doesn’t like a particular show before they’ve attended it makes me uncomfortable. After seeing the show myself, it’s clear to me your dislike of the show itself has tainted your review of this production. I loved the production and thought the leads in general were all very strong. The ensemble itself was generally energetic and highly entertaining. There did seem to be some technical glitches during the production such as microphones not working, but I would imagine those would be isolated incidents. Overall though, a great value for the buck and wonderful show to bring the whole family to.
I saw this production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat last week. I agree with the reviewer here there was definitely a lot of heart behind the performances of the kids from “stars.” I also have to agree that the Joseph was dull and lackluster. His character is the driving force in the show and sometimes you would forget about him completely. Most of the time the children seemed to be the main focus with cute schtick and no substance and the rest of the cast seemed to be an after thought.
The audience on the night I saw the show was filled with what appeared to be all the moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandmas, and grandpas of the 20 or so children. So they loved every minute of the kids, who were very cute.
Overall, I would have to say that if you want to go and see a cute children’s theatre piece this is the ticket for you, but if you want to see a solid production your money is better spent elsewhere.
I was confused by your review of Joseph. You state, “it has been a worlwide favorite for just over 40 years…” Then you go on to say that “the variety of song and dance styles makes you wonder if Weber and Rice were so busy figuring out if they COULD attempt something-that they neglected to take the time to think about it they SHOULD do it. Square dancing, calypso and tap do not belong back to back.” The fact that Joseph has been a favorite for over 40 years is PROOF that the variety of dance and music DO go together, and that is exactly what makes the show appealing and unique. Yes, the Pharaoh’s performance was lively, but in his zealous interpretation of Elvis, I couldn’t understand a word he sang. As for Joseph, I thought he was the glue that held the production together. His voice was rich and clear, and it was easy to see that he was enjoying himself and felt at home on stage. I wish I could see the show again!