With its pop-rock score and uplifting message, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has inspired audiences worldwide and is considered to be Andrew Lloyd Weber’s earliest success, as it originally appeared as a 15-minute pop cantata at his preparatory school in 1968. Weber continued developing the musical with lyricist Tim Rice with whom he also collaborated on Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. The full musical debuted on the West End in 1973 and traveled to Broadway in 1982, with many notable revivals and a direct-to-video film starring Donny Osmond in the title role.
Director Matt Moore presents the Webber and Rice collaboration with a different lens by presenting it within the context of a Youth Choir getting swept into a creation of their collective imagination. The Youth Choir acts as an audience surrogate to help reframe the story within the perspective of a young person, bringing notes of nostalgia and child-like wonder to this tale as old as time.
The young musicians took the stage to nervously present pre-show announcements but were soon greeted by a dazzling Narrator, played by Katy Benko Miner. She invites them into the colorful story as Joseph, played by Shakil Azizi, draws back the main curtain to show them that “Any Dream Will Do.” Benko Miner and Azizi are the heart of this production as the Narrator and Joseph respectively. Benko Miner’s vocal versatility is unmatched as she soars through each song of the expansive score. Azizi shines in the titular role of Joseph, delivering a performance that captures the resilience of the character’s incredible journey.
The supporting cast was vibrant and energetic in their many roles. Peter Marsh’s portrayal of Pharaoh is both entertaining and memorable in the Elvis-inspired number, “Song of the King.” Scott Pierce as Potiphar and Dawn Gaynor as Potiphar’s Wife deliver very fun performances alongside the talented ensemble in “Potiphar.” The talented Youth Choir included Kassidy Miner, Owen Joseph McDonald, Lilly Glass, James Moore, Mya Morlier, Katie Pierce, and Lucia Mattson. The Youth Choir members were interwoven throughout the show in creative ways to feature them as both audience members and storytellers. The entire ensemble exuded immense joy, especially during the closing “Megamix,” making it impossible to not smile and clap along.
Joseph’s eleven brothers played by Scott Pierce, Ryan Lucius Schaffer, Robert DeBroeck, Alan Pierce, Martin Kelly, Eric Black, Eric Wolpert, Pete Kim, Patrick Murray, Joseph Allen, and Anthony Palladino with their father Jacob played by Paul Correll performed their scenes and songs with great vocal strength and unapologetic silliness. My favorite of their interactions was the song “Those Canaan Days,” led by DeBroeck as Simeon and featuring a delicious tango choreographed by Christie Dubansky.
Cate Murray’s musical direction brought out the best in the performers, and I was equally impressed with the successful use of pre-recorded tracks. It can be a tricky balance to maintain the energy and momentum of a show without a live orchestra, and the Sound Team stayed in sync with the performers for a successful performance. The lively production also featured a combination of colorful costumes from Amber Kiffney, large-scale puppets from Swazzle Incorporated, a versatile set design from Peter Marsh, interactive props from Jay Wells, playful projections from Sam Wong, and a range of practical effects that contributed to the storytelling without upstaging the performers.
Triune Entertainment’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a poignant production for such a time as this, when hope can feel like it’s dimming. Joseph reminds us that although we are “still waiting, still hesitating,” we can remember that throughout Joseph’s struggles, he persisted through his faith that “any dream will do.” May we all continue to persist with the same hope for a better tomorrow.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat plays through March 9, 2025, presented by Triune Entertainment performing at Journey Theater, 4175 Bludau Dr, Warrenton, VA. Purchase tickets ($18–$22) online.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
CAST
Joseph: Shakil Azizi
Narrator: Katy Benko Miner
Jacob: Paul Correll
Pharaoh: Peter Marsh
Potiphar: Scott Pierce
Mrs. Potiphar: Dawn Gaynor
Levi: Scott Pierce
Reuben: Ryan Lucius Schaffer
Simeon: Robert DeBroeck
Judah: Alan Pierce
Zebulun: Martin Kelly
Naphtali: Eric Black
Issachar: Eric Wolpert
Asher: Pete Kim
Dan: Patrick Murray
Gad: Joseph Allen
Benjamin: Anthony Palladino
Baker: Elizabeth Steimel
Butler: Martin Kelly
Youth Choir: Kassidy Miner, Joseph McDonald, Lilly Glass, Jame Moore, Mya Morlier, Katie Pierce, Lucia Mattson
Wives: Dawn Gaynor, Elizabeth Steimel, Cindy M. Sabato, Tammy West, Hilary Pierce, Catie Pacheco, Mary Gaskins, Amanda Mattson, Sarah Pesce, Brighid Hughes
Pharaoh’s Fan Girls: Elizabeth Steimel, Tammy West, Hilary Pierce, Catie Pacheco
PRODUCTION TEAM
Producer: Mary Beth Balint
Director: Matt Moore
Stage Manager: Debbie Martin
Music Director: Cate Murray
Choreographer: Christie Dubansky
Technical Director: Ben Jacobeen
Costume Director: Amber Kiffney
Set Designer: Peter Marsh
Props Manager: Jay Wells
Assistant Director: Ryan Balint
Youth Choir Vocal Director: Lori Roddy
Board Operator: Naos Marbach
Rehearsal Assistant / Projectionist: Samantha Wong
Mic & Sound Tech: Sarah Vaughn
House Manager: Lisa Moore
Board Operator: Lex Hartung
Sound Designer: Kaitlyn Nelson
Lighting Designer: Dan Martin
Assistant Costume Director, Hair & Makeup Design: Mia Dalusung
