Millikin’s own School of Theatre and Dance put on one of its most anticipated shows of the season this past weekend with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
The classic musical retelling of Jacob’s favored son Joseph from the Book of Genesis is chock-full of memorable numbers from a plethora of genres and musical influences, further illustrating how universal and timeless a story like this can be.
Each actor brought their own unique style to these flamboyant and charismatic characters, unleashing everything from humor to sorrow onto the audience.
I have to shout out the true force that Croix Baker brought to our main character of Joseph. Everything from his whimsical choreography to the more emotive and solemn moments. Numbers like “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door” come to mind first, showing how commanding yet heartfelt Joseph can be.
Laura Switzer, the Narrator, was also delightful through and through. Her much-needed stage presence was a welcome addition to the story, as well as a useful and engaging tool for the audience and lovely children’s choir.
Joshua Klaber Higgins and Amelia Tam might have been the comedic highlights of the musical for me, though. Playing Reuben and Reuben’s Wife respectively, both actors showed great comedic timing and prowess throughout the entire show, both verbally and physically. Even during the more villainous numbers, you couldn’t help but laugh at some of their mannerisms and boisterous chemistry.
While every musical number was memorable in its own way, some of my absolute favorites were “One More Angel in Heaven” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph.” While the former was full of sticky melodies and an unforgettable country twang, the latter could’ve been straight out of High School Musical. I couldn’t stop thinking of “Bop to the Top” and I mean that in the best way possible.
I also can’t forget to mention “Poor, Poor Pharaoh” and “Song of the King,” as Ethan Rhoades plays the Pharaoh in question flawlessly. Did I mention this Pharaoh doubles as an Elvis impersonator? Truly fun and captivating performances.
The whole show came to a head at the very end in the form of “Megamix.” This number took all the main songs you already know and love from the show and used them as a pseudo curtain call and celebration of the night. A very warm and joyous moment that I honestly wish more shows incorporated. Take notes guys!
Throughout the whole weekend Joseph maintained a packed house and captivated audience. These shows truly had some of the biggest turnouts that Kirkland has seen all year and I couldn’t think of a more deserving production. The best way I could think of describing this show for someone who’s never heard of it before actually comes from the director himself. Kevin Long had this to say in the show’s program and I think it perfectly sums up what Joseph is trying to convey and leave the audience with.
“The story of family, jealousy, faith, integrity, mistakes and forgiveness are all woven through the tapestry of Joseph’s dreams. The multiplicity of musical genres showcase witty and thought-provoking lyrics,” he said.
The oldest use of “dream” in English originally meant “joy” or “music.” I hope that the joy and music of our production have you singing your favorite melody as you depart.”
“Sha la la, Joseph, you’re doing fine. You and your dreamcoat ahead of your time.”’
Overall, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was another endlessly entertaining and entrancing production to grace the Kirkland Fine Arts Center stage. In this constantly changing and uncertain world, it’s hopeful and reassuring to see a show like this that reminds us how we’re all worthy of love and understanding, no matter our differences in morals, culture, or character.
