Moonlight Musicals presentation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat rules!

Among the many reasons to go see this show, the first is that it is offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the work of top-notch performers and notice the efforts that go on behind the scenes to provide such a stellar production outdoors. It is a different experience. Based on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a very high-energy dance show with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. This full-length modern version was first seen on Broadway in 1982. Since then, it has seen several revivals and national tours, as well as thousands of community and school productions. The Biblical story is described through the Narrator, who introduces Jacob and his 12 sons, including his favorite, Joseph. To demonstrate his love for Joseph, his father gives him a coat of many colors. Joseph’s jealous brothers sell him into slavery and tell their father he was killed. Joseph is taken to Egypt, where he serves a rich man named Potiphar, who becomes angry when his wife shows an interest in Joseph. Potiphar sends Joseph to jail, where he meets other prisoners and begins to decipher the dreams they are having. Soon, the pharaoh sends for Joseph to interpret his own dreams. The orchestra plays the overture as the audience sets down lawn chairs and enjoys ice cream. This show’s live music, including a little bit of harmonica in Act I, is a standout feature of Moonlight Musicals productions. Music director Alejos Anaya and orchestra manager Mimi Pappas play vital roles in this show’s success. The set and the costumes are big and bright, thanks to set designer Tom Laney and many set painters and crew members who contributed to some fun moments like prop manager Gabriella Nord. The choreography by Tamara Klotzman is excellent. Even though the mics can be frustratingly unreliable from time to time, the overall impression that results from watching the show come together is that this backstage and onstage team can’t be stopped. Kate Beckelman blows the audience away from the time she walks onstage as the Narrator. Wow! What a voice! AND she is a superior dancer. “Sha la la,” Zach Judah capably demonstrates his talents as Joseph- a role that also requires both strong vocal and dance skills. Go Go Joseph! Another dance standout is Connor Gerhart, whose performance as Naphtali is a testament to utter devotion to life onstage, if not to brother, Joseph. Gerhart also manages costumes, hair and makeup for this production. Joseph’s ten other brothers are played by a highly talented lineup including Ian Klotzman, David Lee Staggers, Nate Varner, Edward Funderburke, Caleb Davidson, Trenten McCowen, Alejandro Hernandez, Alex Carrillo, Justin Perez and Gavin Perez. Some fun songs to watch them perform include “One More Angel in Heaven,” “Those Canaan Days” and “Benjamin Calypso.” Heidi Winkler gives a solid performance as Mrs. Potiphar. Kenny Schank does a nice job as both Jacob and Potiphar and Clayton James Henriksen is a rock star in his role as Pharoah. Henriksen and the choral ensemble show off in “Song of the King” and there is an especially nice duet featuring Judah and Beckelman during the finale, “Any Dream Will Do.” The show is fast-paced, funny and filled with glitter. The whole production team worked hard to bring such as demanding show to the stage and it’s definitely worth seeing as long as you prepare for the heat. Performance dates for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat are August 1-10 at Moonlight Musicals Amphitheater at 413 East Broadway. Get tickets at moonlightmusicals.com/tickets.