Arvada Center has re-staged its major hit, “Joseph and the
Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” this time with Stephen Bourneuf as
director and choreographer. The temple setting flashes with
bright-colored lights and the band floats above the stage, behind
some token palm trees. Incense pots are smoking and the costumes
alternate between ’60s hippie and ancient desert.
The delivery boy, dressed a la ancient Egypt, whizzes through on
a scooter.
Images seem a bit scattered, but that swell score is still there
— one of Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice’s earlier collaborations
remains perennially popular with audiences, who enjoy quirky
touches such as Pharaoh as Elvis and various musical styles among
Joseph’s singing brothers. All lines are sung in this big show — no
cozy or otherwise chit-chat. This is a cast with many varied and
noteworthy voices.
The Biblical story is a familiar one: Joseph is his father
Jacob’s favorite and recipient of a splendid many-colored coat. His
brothers are not pleased. In fact, they conspire to get rid of him.
He is sold as a slave and ends up in Egypt.
Arvada presents a talented young singer, David B. Johnson, a
2008 product of UNC’s strong musical theater program, in the lead
role. His acting skills will develop further with experience, but
were a little thin on opening night. This is his first big Equity
show and we’ll look forward to watching him grow. “Any Dream Will
Do” seems an appropriate opening number. He has the looks and
voice. Stage presence will follow.
Sarah Rex, in the principal role of Narrator, is terrific —
strong and sexy, as she weaves the story together from her big
prologue number to a final reprise of “Any Dream Will Do” with
Joseph and ensemble. (Interesting to note in the bios that she
describes herself as a Littleton mom).
David Villella, whom we remember as a really great Che in last
year’s “Evita,” brings his comic chops to the Pharaoh role,
stealing his scenes consistently.
“Joseph” is good family entertainment and it’s nice to see that
children’s tickets are half price, with some exceptions, by
purchasing them with a call to the box office at 720-898-7200.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” by Andrew Lloyd
Webber and Tim Rice plays through Dec. 27 at the Arvada Center,
6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays
through Saturdays; 1 p.m. Wednesdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Tickets: 720-898-7200; www.arvadacenter.org.
