Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Theatre Harrisburg Stages
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

by Brian Phillips

Question: What do Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, and Michael Damian have in common? Yes, they were all one-time teenage heartthrobs, but what else? Answer:Each of them did their time on Broadway, playing the title character in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” It is no wonder. The part of the biblical favorite son is well suited for a pretty face and a lyrical voice.

Dreamy and energetic. The needs of casting the part of Joseph are fairly simple. David M. Fisher, the guest director for Theatre Harrisburg’s “Joseph...,” which opened March 2, understood the needs of casting this role when he chose Michael Zorger. Zorger, a reasonably new face on the Harrisburg theatre scene, fit the bill to a tee. His looks, his big-toothed smile, and his melodic voice were perfect for the part.

A strong presence is the foundation for this show, but this production was more than just a pretty face. It was truly impressive, from scene to orchestra to costuming. Every aspect of the show was done with an eye for detail. The costuming was colorful and well-designed, including a Dreamcoat that was nothing short of its Technicolor name. The orchestra was well rehearsed and directed by Musical Director Richard Askey. Even the children in the chorus were on key and comfortable on stage. As anyone who’s attended a show where a mediocre and timid children’s chorus has compromised an otherwise good performance can attest, this is a blessing.

One of the many highlights of the show happened at the beginning of the second act. After the narrator, played by the young, but very talented Kristin M. Shoop, brings the children’s chorus and the audience up to speed, retelling the first act, and explaining that Joseph, now in prison, has found favor among his peers interpreting dreams, the black scrim rises and we are transported to a surreal Egypt where we find a huge Sphinx head that after a musical introduction is drawn up revealing a some what traditional looking Pharaoh. Traditional, at least until the orchestra break into a rock and roll piece called “Son of A King.” The Pharaoh’s gold head piece comes off, revealing a jet black slicked back hairdo. Elvis meets Egypt with blue suede shoes and all. The whole production number, which brings Joseph into the good graces of Pharaoh and turns him from prisoner and slave into royalty, was carefully planned and well-executed. The humor of the scene and the song were reinforced by a well-designed set piece and further supported by well-thought out costumes. The golden Graceland-like gates serves as the perfect backdrop for dancing Cleopatras. The two chorus members dressed in poodle skirts and saddle shoes were an interesting contrast to the larger-than-life Sphinx head.

This scene represents everything that was good about this production and also everything that is good about this early Webber and Rice musical. It took a classic story, brought it into a contemporary setting, added a good song, great dance, and a whopping dose of humor and created a lot of fun with an interesting message for young and old alike.

Laughter and smiles abounded throughout the Whitaker Center audience. And who would expect less from a show so full of life, energy, and a ‘don’t take yourself too seriously’ attitude? The message, though present, was never heavy-handed. In fact, just the opposite was true: it was understated. The message was never the point. Everyone knows the biblical themes of the story of Joseph and his eleven brothers. The medium was the message. “Any Dream Will Do.” For David Fisher, Theatre Harrisburg, and the cast of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” this was a dream realized.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” runs now through March 18 at the Whitaker Center. For more information or tickets call 214-ARTS.