Over the years, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, has been a boon for community theaters. Why? Based on the story of Joseph and well, his “coat of many colors” from the Bible, its family-friendly and a simple story, inspirational themes and catchy music have made Joseph one of the most consistently recognized and marketable titles in musical theatre with thousands of productions put on by schools and various theatre companies around the world.
Often times, despite being catchy the production seems to fall flat because to put it simply…it’s a tad cheesy; however, the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse’s production is easily one of the better versions floating around. Under the direction and choreography of Brian Burron, who also plays the Elvis-impersonating Pharaoh, Joseph is a undeniably a success.
Russell Mernagh, as Joseph, brings a farm-boy charm to Joseph‘s cut-and-paste pastiche and has everything the role requires — a stunning voice and a body that’s not terrible to look at. “I haven’t had the most training, so I feel like every job is just more training. I’m constantly learning and I hope that shows through my work,” says Mernagh.
Melissa Swift-Sawyer, as the shows Narrator, does a fantastic job of allowing her fellow cast members their individual moments. She uses her strong voice to open on a high note and ease through the shows transition points.
The very busy, Scott Severtson, as Reuben, delivers a top notch rendition of “Those Canaan Days.” He commands the stage with the ease and grace of a truly seasoned performer and his subtle jokes flow with excellent comedic timing.
The three are joined on stage by a range of characters: Scott Wright as the hysterical Potiphar, Bren. Eyestone Burron as Mrs.Potiphar, Bryan Bell as the country singing Levi and Ted Reddy as a calypso-ing Judah who give noteworthy performances during their individual solos.
Other stand-out performers include Kytt McLaughlin and Taylor Recktenwald, as two of Joseph’s brothers and other various ensemble parts, and Katie Ulrich who shined throughout keeping the energy high from beginning to end.
Catch the Candlelight production of Joseph now through August 22, 2010.
Click here to see more about Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat or to check out the rest of the upcoming season.
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown, Colorado 80534
970.744.3747
Noah!! Good to see you’re writing on here again. So theatre? I might have to start going to some shows now. I did see In the Heights when it was here in Denver and it was actually pretty good. Welp, maybe I will pay a visit to CDP. How was the food?
I’ve already seen several productions of Joseph… But this one sounds like a stand out! I’ll have to go see it soon!
This well written and genuine review stays true to the Candlelight’s production of Joseph… I went to see this production after a few days of opening and thought that the talent certainly manifests itself on the stage. From this review, I’d give a kudos to the author and the cast.
This review is right on the mark. I saw the show a few weeks ago and this was exactly what I thought of it. It was a great show, definitely one of the better Joseph’s I’ve seen. I’m definitely going to be back to the CDP to see more shows.
This review speaks my thoughts exactly. I saw the show last week and was amazed at the talent in the cast. The dancing was great as well as the outstanding singing! The show was a huge success! I look forward to seeing more shows at the CDP!
Great review i want to see the show!