Curtain Up Theater Review by Camille Bounds: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

“Joseph” is an extravaganza of a musical based on a story from Genesis 

Published online March 19, 2019

Photo courtesy Broadway by the Bay

Fasten your seat belts. From the moment the curtain rises on Broadway By The Bay’s 54th season’s first production with “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” The momentum builds throughout the first act and holds the audience in rapt attention.

The show moves like a revved up steam roller and director Stephanie Renee Maysonave  keeps up the breathtaking pace  so the audience does not dare look away for fear they will miss something. This “Joseph” story is taken from the biblically-inspired tale of Joseph, the heroic interpreter of dreams and most beloved by his father to the jealousy and envy of his eleven brothers. Transferred from  the 1982 Tony-award winning  Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice Broadway musical, the story is based on several chapters from Genesis. The music style covers country-western, rock and roll, calypso, blues to a gyrating Elvis and anything else that fits the mood of the moment.

Matt Ono carries the title role of Joseph with Chelsey Ristaino as the Narrator. Both bring unyielding fine voices to their parts. The show carries 36 strong cast members that includes 10 well-rehearsed kids from Broadway By The Bay’s Youth Ensemble that knit the plot together.

The  orchestra under Alicia Jeffrey (music director and executive artistic director) creates amazing sound with a complicated score. Christina Lazo with associate Erin Carrion delivers impressive choreography that is right on mark with a talented energetic chorus. The glitz of costumes by Bethany Deal are spectacular. Creative sets  by Kuo-Hao Lo and lighting by Eric Johnson, with great sound by Zak Stamps make for a super production.

Broadway By The Bay’s  “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor  Dreamcoat” is an extravaganza that is a must see production.

DETAILS

“Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Coat”

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics by Tim Rice

Through: March 31

Running Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes, with one intermission

Where: Fox Theatre – 2215 Broadway St.  Redwood City

Tickets: $44-$66

For reservations and information:  (650) 579-5565 or www.broadwaybythebay.org