Broadway in Chicago presents JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.
For a story about the early days of human trafficking, this musical makes merry. The plot is dramatic: Joseph, his father’s favorite, is sold into slavery by his brothers. His ability to interpret dreams helps him ascend to prominence. A famine reunites him with his estranged family. It’s a well-known biblical saga of resilience and redemption. In the 1970s, Lyricist Tim Rice and Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber rolled out their tribute to the old testament tale. Their version continues to endure as a vibrant mix of comedic chuckles and toe tapping pep.
Crayons and trains?! As the audience arrives, they have a view of a peculiar collection of imagery. Above a sleeping person is a dream-like cloud. Contemporary pictures are projected into that cloud. Since this is a BC tale, the appearance of crayons and trains are an odd choice. Weird projections continue to be used instead of scenery throughout the show. Funkadelic spiraling dots and animated hieroglyphics are shot onto oversized bed sheets. The visuals remind me of the “Jackson Five” cartoon from the 1970s. The usual Broadway in Chicago pageantry is skimpy in this show.
Despite the lackluster look, the cast brings high energy shtick. The best number of the night is “Those Canaan Days.” The song is the brothers lamenting about their bad luck following Joseph’s exit. The kitschy humor and harmony is delivered with zest. During the show, the collective singing is better than the solo moments. Some of the cast struggle with pitch or power. Their lines are swallowed whole by the orchestra rocking out to Webber’s lively score. The exuberant Ace Young (Joseph) has the necessities covered. His smile dazzles as do his abs. His dancing and singing seem to be contained. The cast move in unison around his planted stance. And even though he sings within a limited vocal range, he still induces shivers with his soulful “Close Every Door” and hopeful “Any Dream will Do.”
In the 1980s, I saw JOSEPH on Broadway with David Cassidy. In the 1990s, I sawJOSEPH in Chicago with Donny Osmond. This current touring JOSEPH may not be asAMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT as other productions. (In fact, I found the actual coat too cartoonish to be enviable.) Still, the music is still the music. It is joyous. It’s hard not to sing along. And it’s impossible not to leave humming and smiling and asking …
May I return to the beginning
The light is dimming, and the dream is too
The world and I, we are still waiting
Still hesitating
Any dream will do
Running Time: One hour and fifty-five minute includes an intermission
At Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler
Music direction by Wayne Green
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 8pm
Saturdays, Sundays at 2pm
Additional performances: March 23rd at 7:30pm March 26th at 2pm
Thru March 30th
Buy Tickets at www.broadwayinchicago.com