Belting out the Bible Belting out the Bible (April 30, 2004)

Palo Alto Players stage 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'

By Melinda Casillas

Forget what you learned in Sunday school, if you haven't already. The Palo Alto Players are traveling back in time to bring audiences a glitzy twist on the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors.

Regarded as one of the premier musical collaborations between Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" follows Joseph's rise to power at the side of Egypt's Pharaoh.

Joseph -- Jacob's favorite son -- is an innocent and privileged youth in Canaan. His 11 scheming brothers, jealous of his multi-colored coat and their father's affinity for him, sell Joseph into slavery. His journey takes him to Egypt, where he becomes indentured to Potiphar, a wealthy official of the Pharaoh.

With the help of God, Joseph's ability to interpret dreams brings him to the attention of the Pharaoh, to whom he correctly prophesies a coming famine. As a result, the Pharaoh makes Joseph the governor of Egypt. The country is well-prepared for the famine -- so much so that there is enough grain to sell to neighboring nations and even to Joseph's brothers, who come looking for food.

The story is one of innocence, redemption, love and forgiveness. The musical, which is loosely based on the story of Joseph and his travails, comes with a healthy dose of creative license, mixing musical genres such as country, '60s go-go, calypso, gospel, and rock 'n' roll. A seven-piece orchestra, conducted by musical director Matthew Mattei, brings the various styles alive.

The production marks director Jane Bement Geesman's third production with the Palo Alto Players. She directed last season's critically acclaimed "Anton in Show Business" and was featured a couple years ago in "Sylvia," as well.

"Our production of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' is colorful, magical, and a treat for the senses," Geesman said. "It's jam-packed with energy, excitement and humor, and a talented cast that dances and sings its way from Canaan to Egypt."

"Joseph" is typically a very large-scale production, and despite its smaller venue at the Lucie Stern Theatre, the Players' version will be no exception.

"We have a total of 44 cast members, 18 of which are members of the children's chorus. There are numerous set changes and lighting cues, not to mention costumes, wigs, props. ... No question, our show is a large-scale production!" Geesman said.

Melissa T. O'Keefe, who plays the show's narrator, said she was inspired by the smaller stage.

"We trip over each other from time to time -- but that's part of the fun," said O'Keefe, who is making her debut with the Palo Alto Players. "In many ways, I think the smaller stage works to our advantage. I think it gives the audience a real sense that we're a part of this amazing story, and it gives each cast member the opportunity to play off one another, which on a larger stage wouldn't work."

And her role?

"The role is definitely a vocally demanding one, as I have few breaks during the show where I'm not singing -- I only hope the audience doesn't get sick of hearing me sing by the end of the show! The narrator is a fun part to play because the story is told from her perspective. I get to interact with both the audience as well as the characters on stage."

Nathan Beason, who assumes the title role, last appeared as Brad Majors in the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" at San Jose City Lights Theater Company in 2003. Playing Joseph comes easy to him, he said.

"Being from a family of two brothers and a sister, this part has been a great fit. The demand of the role has had me calling upon things in my past, revisiting them, facing them, and applying them. [I can] share those experiences through the character of Joseph," Beason said. "The musical has been a favorite of mine since I was 15 years old. The element that speaks to me is Joseph's search for self and how this search has affected the lives of those around him. Ultimately, he perseveres through a series of both positive and negative events that lead him to realize his destiny."

Originally written in 1968 as a 15-minute pop cantata for St. Paul's Junior School, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" was expanded to 40 minutes and staged at the Edinburgh Festival in London. Expanded again to 70 minutes, "Joseph" debuted in London's West End in 1972, a version that later played at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 1976.

A 1981 revival at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. was moved the following year to Broadway, with David Cassidy as Joseph. A flashy revival opened in 1991 at the London Palladium with Jason Donovan in the title role and the addition of a large children's chorus. The Palladium "Joseph" got its North American premiere in Toronto in 1992, starring Donny Osmond. Michael Damian headed the cast when the Palladium revival of "Joseph" hit the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles in 1993.

Peter Bliznick, executive director of the Palo Alto Players, chose "Joseph" for this season because of its pizzazz and playfulness.

"'Joseph' gives our audience a high-energy burst of optimism that is sure to stay with them long after the curtain comes down. This show's message of joy and unity, hope and forgiveness, is a perfect tonic for troubled times. There is a lot to learn from 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' and tons more to be derived from its youthful exuberance," he said.

Information

What: "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," presented by the Palo Alto Players

Where: Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

When: Show times are 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. "Joseph" will run through May 9.

Cost: Tickets are $21 for Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday performances; $25 for Friday and Saturday evenings. Students and seniors receive a $3 discount for Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday performances.

Info: Call 329-0891 or visit www.paplayers.org

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