Date: Fri 04-Apr-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Illustration: C

Location: A10

Quick Words:

Joseph-Webber-Rice-theatre

Full Text:

(rev "Joseph/Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" @Shubert, 4/4/97)

Theatre Review-

Sparkling With Color & Pageantry, `Joseph' Entertaining

By June S. April

NEW HAVEN - Sparkling with color, songs and humor, the Shubert Performing Arts

Center offers a bold and bright new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim

Rice's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat . It is perfect,

fun-filled entertainment for the entire family.

Commissioned 30 years ago by St. Paul School in England, two young talents

were asked to create a 15-minute "pop cantata." It was a hit - a growing hit.

Each time it was performed it was augmented, first to a 20-minute, then 40

minutes, and ultimately to a full-fledged musical that opened on the

fashionable Westend of London.

The team of composer Webber and lyricist Rice have become one of the brightest

lights in the history of musical theatre. Cats and Phantom of the Opera , two

of their creations, on Broadway for years, are still going strong.

This production of Joseph , in New Haven until April 13, is like no other.

There is a Connecticut connection that makes it unique: 35 students from

Bethany and New Haven join forces with the actors. As the Joseph Dreamchoir,

they sing the choral portions of the many delightful songs of this show.

Some months ago, a "choir challenge" was sent throughout the state to churches

and schools for young people, up to age 14, to audition for this opportunity.

The winners were 36 students - the Girls Choir of Amity Junior High School

(Bethany) and the Helene Grant Choir (New Haven).

Amity Choral director Gina Nedderman was beaming after Tuesday night's (April

1) opening performance. She said the young ladies had had less than a week for

rehearsals.

"They did four five-hour rehearsals over the Easter weekend, and they did a

great performance tonight!" she enthused. "They even got to sign the famous

wall downstairs," she shared.

The touring production, which begins its national tour with the New Haven run,

will offer the same opportunity to young people in every city where it will

perform.

As directed by Dallett Norris, whose company, The Troika Organization,

oversees touring productions, the dancing is one of the very strong qualities

in Joseph...

Part of the fun of the show is the numerous surprises. Look for what is on the

camel's tail, or what emerges from the basket as Joseph struggles through the

desert to Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers.

The range of music, from country western to rock, French chanson to calypso,

is part of the changing energy and sound that makes Joseph so fun-filled and

riveting. All the children questioned after Tuesday's performance agreed they

would see it again, and they would tell their friends about it.

The sets, glittering costumes, bright lights and lighting harken to a Las

Vegas production. Even when the words could not be discerned, certainly the

gist of the lyrics was evident.

The costumes are splendid; designer Bruce Harrow did a spectacular job of

reflecting the musical numbers. The scenic designs by James Fouchard have even

been featured in gallery exhibitions, including the Smithsonian. The colors

and geographical settings are original and creative, heightened by the

lighting skills of Rick Belzer.

It is a talented and energetic cast, with fine voices. The final number,

"Joseph Megamix," seems to be a thumb-nail medley of the show's music. With

all the actors dressed in white and thus offering the chance for the audience

to offer applause/acknowledgement, it makes one wonder if this was part of the

original production of added for the road tour.

Joseph will continue until April 13. Performances are Saturday and Sunday at 2

pm; Sunday at 7; Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30; and Friday and Saturday at

8 pm. Tickets range from $28 to $55. For ticket reservations, details, call

800/955-5566.