BWW Reviews: Go Go Go to Music Theatre Wichita's JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

Tonight the third musical in the Music Theatre Wichita season, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, was met with excitement and energy at Century II. The only people having more fun than the audience were the people on stage.

Joseph...Dreamcoat is Andrew Lloyd Weber's first musical, and arguably an experiment in how many musical styles one can justify composing into a single show. A fun, comedic look at the Biblical story of Joseph, Jacob and a lifelong journey. Directed and choreographed by the powerhouse husband and wife team of Lyndy Franklin Smith and Jeromy Smith, and music direction by Thomas W. Douglas made an enjoyable evening.

The lights and set were perfect. Josh Neville and J Branson created the ideal world in which for Joseph to exist. The costumes, by Amber Eileen Creasser, were intricate and beautiful. Although she had Joseph in a t-shirt the whole show, which felt incongruous with the rest of her beautiful production design.

Darcie Roberts, as the Narrator, was the crown jewel of the evening. Her entire performance was that of a seasoned professional, but always fresh. A gorgeous voice and face to match. Plus the girl's got Sara Ramirez-like charisma. MTW hit a jackpot. The mourning wife, Claire Gerig, sang only "ah," but absolutely stole her scene. She was a sweet surprise and delightful presence. Ian Patrick Gibb, though an insanely talented actor and singer, was not right for the role of Joseph. There is a certain intangible quality that was missing. I would love to see him perform again, as his performance was not lacking by any means, but maybe as a different character type. I'm sure I'll have the opportunity, as his career trajectory is only going higher.

There were some serious sound problems through the show- popping, muted mics, and low volume. The entirety of Pharaoh's song was inaudible. Regardless, the rest of the production qualities were flashy, clean and grand- in line with the usual high quality of MTW.

The mega-mix, the production finale, was a blast. The cast was on fire and the audience couldn't stay seated. That's a great way start the week.

For more information or for tickets to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, visit www.mtwichita.org

Photo Credit: Christopher Clark

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