Review: JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Dutch Apple emphasizes the amazing in their current production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The show is a dazzling spectacular of Sight, Sound, and movement.

Sam Brackley stars as the Biblical title character and favorite of son of Jacob. When sibling rivalry gets the best of his 11 brothers, they concoct a scheme to fake Joseph's death and sell him into slavery. Despite what sounds like a heavy plot, Brackley plays a very likable and charming character. He has good looks and a strong voice which easily warms over the audience.

Erica Clare plays the narrator, the other main character in the story. Through song, she helps provide context to the story and serves as a nurturing mother hen figure for the excellent youth chorus featured in the show. Clare has an impressive vocal range and has a lot of fun with some Egyptian dance moves straight out of a 80's Bangels video.

The supporting "band of brothers" are a ball, both in their group numbers, such as the twangy "One More Angel in Heaven", and also in solo songs based on diverse musical sources such as rockabilly and calypso.

Lighting by Chris McCleary, costuumes by John P. White, and the orchestra led by JP Meyer are all top notch. Amy Marie McCleary does an excellent job as director and choreographer in keeping the story moving and keeping the audience engaged. The incorporation of American Sign Language within several songs was especially notable and inspiring.

Dreamcoat is a show that is definitely firing on all cylinders. It is my favorite of the Dutch Apple season so far. It is great entertainment for young and old, those who know the Biblical source, and those that don't know or don't care.

I just hope that the show's composer, a Mr. "A. L. Webber" doesn't turn out to be a one hit wonder. I guess only time will tell!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is running now through May 4. Tickets and more info can be found at the theatre website.

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