***** 5 Stars
“An Impassioned Triumph! “
Six decades after the original 15-minute pop cantata, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Tim Rice’s most enduring legacy to not only musical theatre but to generations of childhoods is Joesph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat.
Telling the biblical of Joesph from the book of Genisis the pop infused score and bubbly story have seen over 20,000 productions take place in schools up and down the country alongside the professional productions most successfully the 1991 revival that saw Jason Donovan reach superstar status. It’s that version using the 1995 musical score that Stage Door Entertainment bring to the stage of the portobello town all in a production that’s brimming with impassioned triumph!
Directed and choreographed by Lisa Goldie and Aidan O’Brien and musical direction by Tommie Travers puts a thirty strong adult cast accompanied by forty-four strong children’s cast split into two teams centre stage and the company give it their all and it’s clear to see their joy and passion float over the footlights.
Performances are universally excellent especially the principals with Ewan Robertson leading the cast as “Joesph” in a turn that imbues innocence with stunning vocals. The same is true of Monique Crisell as “Narrator” her unique spirit and beguiling vocal ability really do glue to show together wonderfully well. John Lauder brings maturity to the role of “Jacob” while Connor Byrn dials up his best Elvis vocals in the role of “Pharaoh” and delivers musical comedy with ease.
Production wise this is a show that truly nails it with resident Head of wardrobe and costume design Lesley O’Brien simply out doing herself with a blistering array of costumes that dial into the heart of the original 70’s show cultural look whilst retooling it for a modern audience. Her take on the iconic dreamcoat is without doubt the true visual money shot of the show a tremendous achievement. Laura Hawkins lighting design delivers a Technicolor riot of visuals truly befitting of the show which is accompanied by Ian Cunningham’s effect sound design.
One of the true highlights of this production is hearing the timeless score performed flawlessly by an incredible fourteen strong live orchestra under the baton of the show’s musical director Tommie Travers. Every single note is finely nuanced in a groundswell of musical joy that fills the town hall with musical magic.
Stage door have a truly delivered a joyful production of a musical classic that will enchant its audiences both young and old and with very few tickets remaining you better Go, Go, Go to ensure you grab one and enjoy a truly fabulous technicolour show!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Portobello Town Hall, The production runs until Saturday 27thSeptember for more info go to: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/stagedoorentsuk/e-qdredm
ScotsGay Arts 