Thursday, March 28, 2024

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Outstanding for All Ages

All images courtesy of Coronado Playhouse

You won’t be disappointed from beginning to end, as narrator Brandi Lacy does an outstanding job with her vocal prowess weaving this Bible-inspired story together as the audience is transported back to ancient Canaan, Palestine and Egypt with a modern-day twist.

The familiar story of Joseph’s coat of many colors from the Bible’s book of Genesis is presented with few words and a talented singing cast who use songs of many genres to tell the tale. Favored son Joseph, played by Trevor Rogelstad, making his Coronado Playhouse debut, is on the receiving end of jealousy as his brother sell him into slavery.  His ability to interpret dreams gets him out of trouble and into Pharaoh’s good graces. Lenelle Wylie plays a sultry Mrs. Potiphar. Joseph saves the day by helping Egypt stockpile food and supplies in the seven plentiful years before the foreseen famine. Outside of Egypt, his family does not fare so well and seeks help from Joseph, whom they don’t recognize. Once Joseph tests their loyalty, all is forgiven, and they are a family reunited. The brothers do an outstanding job with their various songs, including the funny “Grovel, Grovel.” You will certainly enjoy all the brothers’ musical numbers, which are very catchy from French-themed to the Jamaican beat tunes, and find yourself humming and clapping along.

You can’t help but grin when Pharaoh, played humorously by Stephen C. Scott, comes out with his best Elvis impression. It brought the house down when he ventured into the audience and sat and swooned on several patron’s laps. Don’t worry about only seeing him once though; and the smiles continue each time he appears. The live orchestra really makes the pop, country and rock music come alive, especially with these catchy tunes. “Any Dream Will Do” is always one of my favorites and this rendition was definitely a crowd pleaser. Just when you think the show is over, the finale is a musical extravaganza showcasing the entire cast and it’s upbeat and celebratory.

Director Jason Bailly has done an excellent job with this production and has a host of stage credits throughout Southern California to his name. When not on stage, he can be found at UCSD Heath, providing pharmaceutical care to patients.

Choreographer Ricardo Valenzuela and his crew created dynamic numbers, all fun and energetic. The costumes are diverse from the notable multi-colored coat to Pharaoh’s Elvis-themed garb. Several of the cast members play a variety of roles including Derek Hauser, who plays Jacob, Joseph’s father and is in the ensemble, and Stephen C. Scott who plays Simeon, Pharaoh, and Potiphar, and Lenelle Wylie who plays Levi, Mrs. Potiphar and is in the ensemble.

The Children’s Ensemble showcased their energy and talent with 14 youth artists rotating through the performances. For some, this is their first theatrical appearance, while others have credits to their name. What a great way to mentor young performers.

Having seen this play several times, both adult and kid’s versions, this Coronado Playhouse performance is definitely at the top of my list. This was the first time for my daughter Cassandra and she thought it was “a spirited winner.”

Coronado Playhouse’s community partner for this show is the Bannister Family House at UC San Diego Health, which provides housing for families of long-term UCSD Health patients. For more information or to support this important mission, check out health.ucsd.edu/bannister.

Originally written as the first collaboration by Andrew Lloyd Weber, a legend with 13 musicals to his credit, with lyrics by Tim Rice. Also noteworthy, this musical first hit Broadway back in 1982, and presents a timeless message of forgiveness and redemption.

This high energy play, the finale of the Coronado Playhouse’s 2018 season, runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through December 16. It’s a family friendly production and runs 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission and is receiving rave reviews. Seats range from $20-$27. Call Coronado Playhouse for tickets at 619-435-4856 or online at www.CoronadoPlayhouse.com.

All images courtesy of Coronado Playhouse

 



Jennifer Velez
Jennifer Velez
Jennifer fell in love with Coronado as a teenager while visiting a college friend. She vowed that someday she would make it her home, and that dream has recently become a reality. Fast forward through completing college with a BA in Journalism, Public Relations and Communications, she then went on to work with a variety of clients. She also taught Journalism and coordinated fundraising for her children’s school, and was a staff writer for San Diego Family Magazine and contributed to other parenting publications. Have news to share? Send tips, story ideas or letters to the editor to: [email protected]

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