Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Theatre Three – Theatre Review

Photo Credit: Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions, Inc. May be used across all media platforms.
By Jessica Kennedy.

Theatre Three proudly presents Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!  This cantata form musical- sung through with little or no dialogue- is running from February 15th- March 21st.  Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, this retelling of the life of Joseph is a colorful story of enduring faith and triumph over hardship.   

While the story is not a completely accurate portrayal of Joseph as he is depicted in the Bible (at least I don’t remember Elvis impersonators or Calypso song and dance breaks in the Book of Genesis), it loosely covers the story of an amazing man of God who starts out as a young boy with a life of trials and tribulations before him.  Preferred by his father and resented by his 11 brothers, things only get worse for him when his father shows him favor with the gift of an amazing, multi-colored coat. It’s red and yellow and green and brown- and it makes his brothers red with rage and green with envy to see him in it. Their choice to betray their brother and sell him into slavery sets the plot of our musical- and Joseph’s future triumphs- into motion. 

This performance marks Sanzel’s third time directing this show; his cast is a mix of past Joseph performers trying new roles, and even children of past performers continuing their family’s legacy!  The music in this show is vibrant and memorable. The Orchestra, directed by Gregory P. Franz, is positioned beside the stage, and plays with an elegant ease and an infectious energy.  The musical numbers flow easily from one into the next, and are performed with zeal and passion. Additionally, the cast of brothers in this show is diverse and dynamic- they each offer a unique character portrayal, while at the same time feeling and performing like a unit.  The array of song styles (you’ll hear everything from rock to pop to country) allows all of the actors to have a moment to shine. My favorite moments have to be “One More Angel in Heaven,” sung by Reuben (Eric J. Hughes), Benjamin (Kiernan Urso), brothers, and children; and “Those Canaan Days” performed by Simeon (Steven Uihlein), Jacob (Douglas J. Quattrock), and brothers.  C.J. Russo’s portrayal of Joseph is both genuine and charming, while Sari Feldman impresses as the energetic and captivating Narrator. The Children’s Choir is adorable, and adds to both the visual and auditory beauty of the show.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a virtual kaleidoscope of music, song, and celebration!  Its humble beginnings as a 15 minute production at London’s Colet Court School in 1968 have paved the way for the many adaptations and thousands of stage performances to become a beloved and enduring classic- Go, Go, Go Joseph!

Running time for this show is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes; there will be one 15 minute intermission.   
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be playing at Theatre Three until March 21st. The theater is located at 412 Main St. Port Jefferson NY. For tickets contact the box office at (631) 928-9100 or click here.