Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics). This was the first musical by Lloyd Webber and Rice that was performed publicly.
Joseph was first presented as a 15-minute pop Cantata at Colet Court School in London in 1968 and was recorded as a concept album in 1969. After the success of Lloyd Webber and Rice's next piece, “Jesus Christ Superstar” Joseph received stage productions beginning in 1970 and expanded recordings in 1971 and 1972. While still undergoing various transformations and expansions, the musical was first produced in the West End in 1973, with Gary Bond taking the lead role; Joseph did not open on Broadway until 1982 where it ran for 749 performances.
In 1991 a much revamped and expended versersion opened a the London Palladium starring Jason Donavan, capitalising on his success in “Neighbors” and his chart success with Kylie Minogue. Jason’s single “Any Dream Will Do” topped the single charts and the Cast Recording spent two weeks at the top of the album charts. In 1993 Phillip Schofield replaced Jason Donavan in the role of Joseph. A video version was released in 1993 starring Donny Osmond, who had appeared in the touring production in North America.
By 2011 there have been over 20,000 productions by schools and amateur theatre groups making Joseph one of the worlds most popular show, so it is an extremely popular show with the public.
In 2006 after the success of ”How do you solve a problem like Maria” another talent show was launched “Any Dream Will Do” to find a new Joseph. Eventually Lee Mead won the coat and had a very successful run as Joseph. Lee is now appearing in “Legally Blonde: The Musical” and is an established West End star, a regular on the concert circuit and the husband of Denise Van Outen, some dreams do come true.
But what of the singer who came second Keith Jack, well after “Any Dream Will Do” he joined Bill Kenwrights touring production of “Joseph” as The Narrator, now Mr. Kenwright, who was a judge on “Any Dream Will do” has finally given Keith Jack the Dreamcoat, is Keith second best?
No he is not, he is truly excellent, and he brings a vulnerability to the role that is most endearing. We are all familiar with Joseph, I have seen school productions and a West End production with Phillip Scofield as well as many professional productions and last nights opening at the Liverpool Empire was one of the best productions ever.
We have Jennifer Potts as The Narrator, she has a smile that lights up the stage and there is a lot of competition from the children on stage, her singing isn’t bad either and Jennifer is very easy on the eye, which will please the Dads. As Pharaoh Adam Jarrell does not do an Elvis tribute act but brings his own style and humour to the role. This is a very humorous show that does zap along. It is a show for all ages, which I recommend as the happiest show in town. From the opening music to the most spectacular finish that really did have the entire audience on it’s feet dancing and clapping.
Recently a show that I attended was spoilt for me and others because the music was too loud, this Joseph is non stop singing and music that never becomes too loud and for that we must thank Ben Harrison who was the sound designer, the Empire can be a difficult theatre to get the sound right, Ben and his team have succeeded and it was a pleasure to listen to superb singers and musicians without coming out the theatre with ringing ears, just a big smile after a great night and a fabulous Joseph.
Keith Jack might have been runner up in the “Any Dream Will Do“ competition but he really is a top performer with a great future in show business. Bill Kenwright keeps picking winners, this amasing “Joseph” delivers as last nights well-deserved and emphatic standing ovation for Keith and the entire cast proved.
10/10 Joseph is showing at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday 3rd April. Get your ticket now.
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