 |
| Tim Dal Cortivo as Joseph and dancers in The Canberra Philharmonic Society's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" |
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber – Lyrics by Tim Rice
Directed by Kelda McManus – Choreographed by Caitlin Schilg
Musical Direction by Jenna Hinton – Conducted by Craig Johnson
Set Design by Ian Croker and Kelda McManus -Costume Design by Jennie Norberry.
Sound Desing by Eclipse Lighting and Sound – Lighting design by Alexander Clifford
Presented by Canberra Philharmonic Society - Erindale Theatre Feb.27 - March 15.
Opening night Performance on Feb.27 reviewed by BILL STEPHENS.
There can be few people left standing who have not seen or taken part in at least one production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in any of its countless iterations.
Conceived and written in 1965, as a 15-minute “pop cantata” by 17-year-old Andrew Lloyd Webber and 20-year-old Tim Rice, responding to a commission to write a piece for their school choir.
The commercial potential of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was spotted by a canny producer in the audience who had it expanded into a full-length musical to take advantage of the international success of Lloyd Webber and Rice’s break-out musical, Jesus Christ Superstar.
Their light-hearted reworking of the story lifted from The Book of Genesis, describing how Joseph became alienated from his eleven brothers after their father gifted him an incredibly special coat, became a world-wide hit after its premiere on the West End in 1973.
50 years on, the Canberra Philharmonic Society provides an excellent example of why this musical has retained its popularity over the years with a lavish new production in the Erindale Theatre.
Director Kelda McManus has adroitly harnessed the talents of many of the region’s most accomplished musical theatre creatives and performers, and anchored her production with a charming, confident performance by Taylor Paliaga as the narrator, with the experience of Tim Dal Cortivo as Joseph, to produce a warm-hearted, family friendly sung-through production, awash with visual and aural surprises.
 |
| Taylor Paliaga as Narrator with ensemble in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" |
Following an arresting overture from the off-stage 15-piece band conducted by Craig Johnson, the unexpectedly dull setting and costumes chosen to set up the story soon gives way to a riot of colour and movement for a succession of spectacular production numbers devised by choreographer, Caitlin Schilg.
Schilg cleverly draws on the dance styles of influential Broadway choreographers to give each scene individuality as well as highlight the individual talents of each of her fifty-one cast members. While not all those cast members can match her choreographic ambitions, what they lack in finesse, they certainly make up in enthusiasm, with spectacular results.
Similarly, Ian Croker’s set designs are a gift that keeps giving as they cleverly morph through surprising combinations to accommodate Jennie Norberry’s lavish costumes which by the finale threaten to challenge the spectacle of a Disney production.
Then there are the wonderful puppet creations of Sarea Coates, particularly her adorable sheep and goat creations along with the scene-stealing camel, which are worth the price of admission alone.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is very much an ensemble show which offers endless opportunities to display individual performers and performances.
Director McManus has taken full advantage of these opportunities by making sure each member of her large cast has a moment in the spotlight.
 |
| Joe Dinn as Pharaoh in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" |
Among many highlights, are the outrageous, show-stopping turn by Joe Dinn as the Pharaoh, channelling Donald Trump doing an Elvis Presley impersonation; and the attention paid by Musical Director Jenna Hinton to the harmonies and diction clarity of all the songs, especially evident in the "Those Canaan Days" number, therefore allowing cheeky exuberance of the youthful Tim Rice’s lyrics to be savoured.
 |
| Bradley McDowell as Reuben and company in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" |
With this production, Philo has devised an imaginative and entertaining show which besides showcasing the strength of musical theatre talent in the region, is also an outstanding example of what can be achieved with enthusiastic community participation.
No matter how many productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat you may have seen before, this is one you can’t afford to miss.
Photos by Ben Appleton - Photox
This review first published in the digital edition of CITY NEWS on 28.02.25
