LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.—“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” holds a special place for Chicago theatergoers because it had much to do with making the city’s downtown a center for stage entertainment.
The “Joseph” production that featured Donny Osmond and played in Chicago for years during the 1990s was extremely successful. It brought in Midwest tourists and made so much money for nearby restaurants and hotels that the then-Mayor Richard Daley encouraged the renovations of old downtown movie houses to create a Loop theater district.
A Timeless Classic
What’s amazing about “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is its timeless appeal. This biblical story was written thousands of years ago, yet it’s still beloved and powerful, no matter how many years have gone by.Not only is this anniversary a perfect time to revive the show, but superb director and choreographer Amber Mak has infused it with an exuberant spirit and poignant scenes that unfold in memorable songs.
It starts out with the spotlight on a mother (Kaitlyn Davis) telling her daughter (Avelyn Lena Choi) a bedtime story. The show then unfolds as though experienced through the eyes of the child. It comes to life alongside the glorious music of Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice.
The spotlight moves to Jacob as he gives his youngest son, Joseph, a multicolored coat—an act which shows favoritism and creates jealousy among Joseph’s brothers. It grows even stronger when the naive, immature Joseph tells his brothers that he had a dream in which he ruled over them. The brothers become even more enraged by this.
Filled with envy and hatred, the brothers decide to kill Joseph. But when a caravan of Midianite merchants pass through, they change their mind and sell off Joseph as a slave. They tear Joseph’s colored coat into pieces, cover it with goat’s blood, and tell their father that Joseph was killed by a wild animal.
Of course, since the show is all about Joseph, the performer playing the part has to be a stand out. That’s the case with Devin DeSantis. Not only is he charismatic, but he has a velvety rich voice as he delivers wonderful emotional vocalizations of “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door.”
In one of the most terrific takes on modern culture, the depiction of the Pharaoh (Lorenzo Rush Jr.) as a swivel-hipped, rock ’n’ roll Elvis had the audience roaring in appreciation and laughter. George Keating stood out with dual roles: He showed a bit of humor as Jacob and got serious as the grave Potiphar. The entire ensemble was in great form as it sang “There’s One More Angel in Heaven,” “Go, Go, Go Joseph,” and danced up a storm with Mak’s energetic choreography.
Of course, as is always the case with a Marriott production, it’s well staged. That’s not an easy thing for a theater-in-the-round, but with a set by Jeff Kmiec, lighting by Jesse Klug, and costume designer Theresa Ham’s colorful dream coat design, the atmosphere of biblical times comes through.
Last, but not least, and as important as any aspect of the production is the Marriott orchestra, conducted by Rick Bertone. The sound design by Michael Daly gives its best to Webber’s great musical score.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” isn’t just an extraordinary entertainment and exceptional production. Its biblical story also has much to teach us about forgiveness, family, and God’s redemption and restoration. A wonderful show for everyone, but especially meaningful for families with children.
