Review Roundup: Flat Rock Playhouse's JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

The Flat Rock Playhouse 2017 season will continue with one of its most beloved musicals, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This mega-musical of Biblical proportions follows the story of Joseph, whose coat of many colors sparks the envy of his brothers and leads him on the journey to greatness.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returns to Flat Rock Playhouse as the irresistible family-friendly reimagining of the Biblical tale of Joseph, Israel's favorite son and features an infectious and unforgettable score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita). The story begins with Joseph and his eleven brothers, who believe their father strongly favors Joseph. When Joseph has a dream that he believes shows he will rule over his brothers, their jealousy reaches its peak, and they sell him as a slave. Joseph's talent for interpreting dreams saves him from a life of slavery and leads him to being the powerful right hand man of the Pharaoh.

Premiering on the West End in 1970 and Broadway in 1982, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was met with commercial and critical success. It received 6 Tony nominations including Best Musical and Best Original Score. The show has seen two revivals on Broadway and London along with a film adaptation starring Donny Osmond as Joseph. This musical features notable favorites like, "Any Dream Will Do," "Close Every Door," and "Go Go Go Joseph."

Newcomers to the Flat Rock Playhouse stage are Lance Bordelon and Jessica Crouch portraying the roles of Joseph and the Narrator, respectively. Also featured in the cast of over 40 performers are Preston Dyar, Scott Treadway, Erin Rubico, MAddie Franke, Stephen Sheffer, a youth ensemble (the "TechniKids") and the 2017 Apprentice Company.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be directed and choreographed by Amy Jones. Ethan Andersen is the Musical Director. Joining Jones and Andersen on the production team are Dennis C. Maulden, CJ Barnwell, Ashli Arnold and Kurt Conway as the Scenic, Light, Costume and Sound designers respectively. Bill Muñoz will be Stage Manager with Lindsey A. Moss as Assistant Stage Manager. Paul Feraldi is Props Master.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is presented by Mainstage Series Sponsor Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (visithendersonvillenc.org) with BMW of Asheville serving as Opening Night Sponsor. The Executive Producers of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat are CarePartners Foundation and Boyd Chevrolet Cadillac Buick.

Due to the overwhelming success of Special Family Pricing for Annie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will also have Special Family Pricing available with youth tickets as low as $15.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will run July 28th through August 20th at The Flat Rock Playhouse Clyde and Nina Allen Mainstage. Performances Wednesday, Thursday evenings at 7:30PM, Friday and Saturday evenings 8:00PM, matinees Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM. Tickets are $15 - $50 and can be purchased by calling the Playhouse box office at 828-693-0731, toll-free at 866-732-8008 or online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

Let's see what the critics have to say!

Mountain Xpress (Jeff Messer): Amy Jones has directed and choreographed the show with attention to every detail. There isn't a moment in the show that is not perfectly designed. Dennis Maulden's set is such a fine-tuned piece of work that it looks like an elaborate rock concert stage. Pyrotechnics would not be out of place. Ashli Arnold Crump's costumes are intricate and span from elaborate wigs and headpieces to dozens of pairs of the aforementioned go-go boots. Many cast members play multiple roles, calling for more than 100 costumes.

Blue Ridge Now (Steve Wong): Giving this production that special Flat Rock Playhouse touch was the house's own Scott Treadway, a veteran Vagabond of 34 years. Taking on the role of the pharaoh, Treadway reincarnated the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley, complete with a mile-high jet-black pompadour, dangling gold chains, and pelvic thrusts. As is often the case, Treadway left his fans "All Shook Up."

To post a comment, you must register and login.