By Marilyn Jozwik
I always marvel at the subjects chosen for musicals and how creators can make them so thoroughly enjoyable.
One such story is that of the Old Testament character Joseph, the favorite of 12 sons of Jacob. Joseph is remarkable for the fabulous, multi-colored coat his father gave him and for his ability to interpret dreams. That simple story is the essence of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Sunset Playhouse’s latest offering. Karl Miller directs and choreographs.
The musical, which opened on Broadway in 1982, feels fresh in Sunset’s hands and is marvelously staged with amazing song and dance numbers. It dazzles with color, lights, costumes and vibrancy. The charming, simple story turns into a lavish spectacle at Sunset.
Joseph’s 11 brothers ham it up in the French ballad parody “Those Canaan Days” in a scene from Sunset Playhouse’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
Sunset keeps mining some of the finest young talent for its summer musicals. Last summer’s “Chorus Line” featured a bevy of marvelous dancers, and this crop might be even better.
I hadn’t seen “Joseph” in a while and had forgotten just how much fun the show is. And the beauty of Sunset’s show is that it embraces the fun, revels in it. This cast is on a mission to deliver all of Rice’s fabulous lyrics and Webber’s array of musical genres with verve and flair and to dance with energy until the sheep come home. It is a well-oiled production that runs like clockwork.
The story is anchored by the Narrator, wonderfully portrayed here by Natalie Wikstrom, who comfortably breezes through the show with a playful wink and a nod as she interacts with the characters. With powerful, pleasing vocals she takes Joseph (Clayton R Irwin) to Egypt after his 11 jealous brothers have sold him as a slave. He ends up in prison, then as right-hand man to Pharoah for his ability to interpret dreams. Joseph and his brothers meet again, only this time Joseph has the upper hand.
The Narrator (Natalie Wikstrom), center, Joseph’s family and Pharoah’s wives in a scene from Sunset Playhouse’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
Irwin as Jacob’s favorite son is delightful and engaging, but his 11 brothers often stole the show with their marvelous song and dance numbers, like the country western “One More Angel in Heaven” – in full western regalia – and their animated and humorous take on the French ballad “Those Canaan Days,” featuring Grayson Buesing. The sons in “Benjamin Calypso” are a riot of color and movement. So much fun to watch.
Rice and Webber have packed several musical genres and Sunset nails all, including the rock ‘n’ roll “Song of the King,” with Brad Skonecki doing a fine Elvis impersonation down to the swiveling hips.
Perhaps the most pleasing moments are the big production numbers. And there are a ton, starting with the rambunctious and catchy “Jacob and Sons.” On display is director Miller’s challenging choreography that is handled crisply and with pure delight. That segues into “Joseph’s Coat,” and the movements to the colors of the coat, reprised later in the show.
Here’s where the dancers shined brightest. I really enjoyed the six Wives and the clever choreography, especially Callie Gibbs, whose smile and energy reached all the way to the back rows.
All vocals were well done with rich, full sound on ensemble numbers. Donna Kummer is vocal music director, while Mark Mrozek is the music director. Just a small note: From where we were sitting, the orchestra often seemed to be dominated by the guitar – which was played very well – but it seemed to throw the balance a bit.
Oh, and I must mention the fabulous costumes (Lisa Quinn, costume/wig design; Ashley Abshire, costume design) that produced a kaleidoscope of color in many scenes, as well as set design (Katie Johnson “KJ”) and light design (Matt Carr) that created the many sights of Canaan – from Pharoah’s quarters to the countryside.
Like his Dreamcoat, Sunset’s “Joseph” is an amazing production!
If you go
Who: Sunset Playhouse
What: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
When: Through Aug. 3
Where: 700 Wall St., Elm Grove
Info/Tickets: 262-782-4430/SunsetPlayhouse.com