Noelle Russell
INDIANAPOLIS – The Good Book has never seemed quite so hip as it does in the hands of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
The composer/lyricist duo spares no prop, no special effect – leaves no musical genre untouched – in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” the musical retelling of the Genesis story.
This Old Testament tale is on stage now through Nov. 19 at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.
Study up on your Bible verses before you go. This show moves at breakneck pace from the moment the curtain rises, making it a tad hard to follow for those unfamiliar with the plot, which goes a little something like this: biblical patriarch Jacob has 12 sons, but Joseph is the clear favorite – prompting his siblings to take revenge.
Not only does Joseph have their father’s favor (landing him the gift of the titular technicolor coat), but he touts an uncanny ability to interpret dreams. When one of those dreams – a scene in which all the brothers’ sheaves of corn bow to Joseph’s – suggests he will one day rule over them all, jealousy turns to rage.
The brothers, determined to rid themselves of their familial competitor, attack Joseph, sell him into slavery and fake his death – displaying his multicolor coat with fresh bloodstains to their father as evidence his beloved son is no more.
Despite the macabre plot, “Joseph” is a show that doesn’t remotely take itself seriously – and certainly never passes up an opportunity to poke fun. It’s also appropriate for kids despite its many adult themes – slavery, execution, and adultery among them.
While this is a truly flawless cast – with the chorus having as many impressive moments as the leads – it’s the support staff we never see on stage that should earn the loudest applause.
You can tell the costumer (Kathy Henry) had an absolute ball with this production. And who wouldn’t? Joseph’s numbers call for everything from traditional Middle Eastern garb to psychedelic ‘70s-style getups.
And the choreography (courtesy of Doug King, who also directs the show) compliments the playful script expertly. Some flawlessly executed acrobatics by the brothers add to the fun at the top of the show, and the short duet by “Apache dancers” Sarah Meyer and Josh Maldonado during “Those Canaan Days” is nothing short of stunning.
It should be noted that King could do this show in his sleep. He has a long history of his own with “Joseph,” having previously performed in touring productions alongside Donny Osmond in the title role.
Bridgette Ludlow as the narrator guides the story with effortless vocals, no small feat given the range of the part. The narrator’s libretto isn’t her only challenge. She also must blend into each scene without being distracting or appearing out of place amid the dancing cast. Ludlow struggles a bit here – no surprise on a small stage where every space is utilized.
TJ Wessel reprises the title role he last played at Beef and Boards in 2017, and by all accounts, has grown into the part. “Close Every Door,” Joseph’s sorrowful ballad sung from prison, will leave you with goosebumps, if not in tears.
As Jacob, Jeff Stockberger will have you chuckling from his first appearance. He adds a fresh playfulness to a role that is integral to the show, but easy to overlook.
No matter how many times you’ve seen Joseph, there’s plenty to discover. Beef and Boards’ production is jam-packed with delightful little Easter eggs (Can you blame them? When your main character is en route to Egypt, who could possibly resist a reference to the Pyramids business park?) that will catch even the seasoned Joseph fan by surprise.
Noelle Russell, former writer and editor of the Daily Reporter, is a lifelong lover of the performing arts and a founding member of Friends of the Theatre — Hancock County.
