Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, December 3, 1994 TAG: 9412230015
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: C12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KAREN L. DAVIS SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Although not a Christmas show in the traditional sense, the soft-rock musical is biblically based, family oriented, and so joyful in spirit, that it translates aptly into a holiday event.
The plot, a modern retelling of the Old Testament story about Joseph and his coat of many colors, begins in the present with an ``everyman'' character who falls asleep while studying his Bible. Dream guides invade his room and carry him back to the lands of Canaan and Egypt and to the time of Jacob, Joseph and his 11 other brothers who founded the 12 tribes of Israel. The tale unfolds so convincingly in this dream-within-a-dream fashion that modern-day prop and costume touches mingled among the ancient Egyptian trappings fittingly add humor and a charming irreverence that make this production not only visually interesting, but truly fun and memorable.
For example, an Elvis number sung by the Pharoah (played handsomely by Jason Edwards) as he descends from his pyramid throne delighted the audience at Thursday night's preview performance. Other buoyant numbers put a calypso and country-western spin on this age-old story of the providence of God.
The play's strength clearly resides in its jubilant presentation, rather than in the power of the music itself. Whereas later works of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice produced memorable hit theme songs, ``Joseph,'' their first collaboration, has no easily recognized signature song from the `60s.
David Caldwell directs the orchestra from the pit. Richard Stafford, who choreographed ``Joseph'' on Broadway, choreographs the 38-member Mill Mountain cast through 22 complex song-and-dance routines.
Lauren Mufson functions as Joseph's head dream guide and narrator to the audience. Fortunately, the sound guys thoroughly miked the show, so even the audience in the rear of the house can enjoy Mufson's lovely voice and clearly understand the words she sings as well.
Terrance Flynn's portrayal of Joseph teems with vitality - literally, as he cartwheels across stage in one number. J. Nathan Oswell appears in a dual role as Joseph's father, Jacob, and as Potiphar, the caravan leader who turns Joseph into a slave.
The entire ensemble is well-balanced, giving the production a fluid, seamless quality as it progresses from scene to scene. Although preview night had a few minor set glitches, set changes overall take place amid the action without being clumsy or obtrusive.
``Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat''
Directed by Ernest Zulia, continues on Mill Mountain's main stage at Center in the Square through Dec. 31. Tickets range from $16 to $20. For show times or reservations, call 342-5740.
by CNB