Scarborough Music Theatre opens with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Joseph, played by Todd Appleton, leads the Scarborough Music Theatre ensemble cast in its production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The musical is now on stage at Scarborough Village Theatre.
Photo/RAPH NOGAL
Scarborough Music Theatre received a well-deserved standing ovation on the opening night of its premiere show of the season, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
The award-winning musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber is the perfect show to kick off the group's 50th anniversary season.
Ironically, one milestone deserves another as the run of this show is completely sold out and two extra shows have been added, something that has never happened for the group in five decades.
However, with their production of Joseph, it's clear as to why it's sold out: It is a show of pure joy, and even if you've seen it before, I dare anyone who sees this production not to be both thoroughly entertained and touched by the performance.
Based on The Bible story from the book of Genesis called 'the coat of many colors,' the story is about Jacob (Jerry Chadwick) and his 12 sons and particularly the favourite, Joseph (Todd Appleton).
Joseph has prophetic dreams that say one day he will rule over everyone, and as a token, is given a multi-coloured coat from his father.
His brothers become jealous and want to get rid of him to prevent any of his prophecies from coming true. So his thoughtless brothers sell Joseph into slavery to an Egyptian king where he is eventually imprisoned. This is where his story of keeping faith and hope, and justice and redemption, begin.
While this show is based on a Bible story, the story and messages in it transcend any and every religion, and instead speaks the universal language of having faith in whatever you believe; told through music and song.
This family-friendly show is told by the narrator (Katie Wise), who is accompanied by a talented, and adorable, 18-member children's choir that opens the show and sings to all the signature songs of this production including Any Dream Will Do, Go Go Joseph, and Close Every Door.
While the story centres around Joseph and the narrator, and while they may be central to the story, they are not the main characters of this show. I couldn't possibly write everyone`s names and between the brothers, their wives, the choir, the entire ensemble cast, many who play dual roles, I can say it was truly a team effort that made this show amazing.
Everyone was alive and energetic and that was consistent throughout the show entire show. With musicals you can generally expect to be there almost three hours with intermission, but the direction in this show is flawless and the show was fast-paced, never dull, and under two hours.
Joseph's coat isn't the only colourful thing in this show. The brothers and their wives have multiple costume changes each more colourful and creative than the last. Between that, the performers, music, songs and the costumes, this show is multi-sensory extravaganza that everyone will enjoy.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs until Nov. 20, 8 p.m., with two added shows, at the Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd. Tickets are $25 and $21 for students and seniors.
This production is so popular that even the two additional shows are completely sold out. The only way to get tickets is to call the box office at 416-267-9292 to see if there are any patrons who have advised they cannot come or to show up at the theatre on a show night to see if there are any tickets which have become available due to patron cancellation.