15JosephCastPhoto1120

DATES: June 18, 19, 20, 21; July 2, 9, 12, 16, 24, 30; August 8, 13, 19, 23.
TICKETS:
$30 Adult; $13- Child (Add $10 for Opening Night)

Article by R. Eli Townsend

The uplifting musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat” — lyrics by Tim Rice, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber — opens at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts on June 18 and runs through August 23. The show is directed by Thingamajig Theatre Company Artistic Director Tim Moore.

The play is based on the Biblical story of Joseph, set in a frame in which a narrator is telling the story of Joseph, the dreamer — one of the 12 sons of Jacob. Joseph’s brothers are jealous of him for his “coat of many colors,” a symbol of their father’s preference for him — and fearful of Joseph’s dreams that he is destined to rule over them. To get rid of him and prevent the dreams from coming true, they sell Joseph as a slave to some passing Ishmaelites, who take him to Egypt, where Joseph becomes the slave of Egyptian millionaire Potiphar. He rises through the ranks of slaves and servants until he is running Potiphar’s house…

“Joseph” in the Media.

If you’re on the hunt for future stars, look no further than “Joseph’s” two lead actors — Audrey Layne Crocker as the ‘Narrator’ and Luke Hefner as ‘Joseph.’ This reviewer has seen countless productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s biblical rock show, and these two are among the finest in their assigned roles. Both Ms. Crocker and Mr. Hefner sang with confidence and ease and were an absolute joy to watch perform. Mr. Hefners’ comfort on stage throughout the show is evident. It’s hard to believe that his career is just beginning — as he easily assumes the leading role in a very demanding show with the presence of a seasoned veteran. Early on, both he and Ms. Crocker take control of the stage and command your attention. Big things are surely in store for these young professionals.

In a show like “Joseph” you never know what to expect, as the show lends itself to be very open and flexible in casting and creative choices. Thingmajig’s Artistic Director Tim Moore (who also serves as director for “Joseph”) casts a wide net in this production, with just the right balance of attention to all the important aspects of good theater.

No corners were cut, but the production has trimmed its sets to the essentials. While one can imagine it’s a function of the space, the minimalist design lends itself to this production in a very strong way. Scene changes are lightning-quick and every piece has a purpose (or two). Often times throughout the musical, the set is changed into the next scene without the previewing audience’s awareness.

Though Joseph and the Narrator get all the praise, it’s the ensemble that does all the heavy lifting in the show. This year Mr. Moore scaled back his cast size, from roughly 28 performers last summer to 18 this year. The effect is immediately felt as the stage feels more inviting with fewer bodies to manage. Once again all the performers are top-notch. Every performer is worthy of a leading role (and we’ll soon see many of them in leads in the season’s other three shows) and the chorus is so strong and their talent so apparent, it’ll leave you talking to the box office attendant at intermission about securing seats for the rest of the shows. Once again, choreographer Ryan Hazelbaker and Moore team up and it’s magic. Mr. Hazelbaker has his dancers pulling out all the stops. If you enjoy dancers who also sing and act — very, very well — this company is for you.

The music in “Joseph” is so well written that it’s difficult not to enjoy the show, as the script takes you around the world to various settings. Music director Boni McIntyre is given an embarrassment of riches to work with, in terms of vocalists — and she has the cast loving every minute of it. Beautiful vocal moments bring warmth to the heart… such as Joseph reuniting with his Father, Jacob, in front of a swelling chorus of lovely voices.

If you’ve seen “Joseph” before and believe nothing’s new, think again. A gorgeous duet between Joseph and the Narrator is just one of the many surprises you’ll be treated to — and never seen in previous productions. The show’s finale confirms it: “Joseph” is great family friendly entertainment that audiences of all ages will enjoy. The production team at Thingamajig, together with Moore’s vision for clean and visually stimulating story-telling, create another winner that lingers long after the production concludes. Don’t miss it.

Thingamajig Theatre Company presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts. Rated PG. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice. Directed by Tim Moore. Playing in repertory weekdays at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm through August 23.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat is presented through an exclusive arrangement with R & H Theatricals and The Really Useful Group Limited.

DATES: June 18, 19, 20, 21; July 2, 9, 12, 16, 24, 30; August 8, 13, 19, 23.
TICKETS:
$30 Adult; $13- Child (Add $10 for Opening Night)

VIEW OUR COMPLETE 2015 SUMMER SEASON CALENDAR: click here