Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical stylings have returned to Sydney in a colourful new production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, now playing at the Capitol Theatre Sydney.
A man known for his rock operas (musicals without dialogue), ALW’s Joseph retells the biblical story of Joseph, the 11th of 12 sons of Jacob. Joseph is the favourite son, so his father bestows the colourful coat on him, which makes the other brothers jealous. The brothers hatch a plan to get rid of Joseph and sell him off as a slave. As with most stories in the Bible, the faithful Joseph triumphs in the face of adversity and eventually teaches his brothers a valuable lesson.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the first musical by Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice to be publicly performed. It has gone through many iterations since 1968 and is one of the most performed musicals by schools and community theatre groups, thanks to its catchy tunes and family-friendly writing.
Lloyd Webber’s use of various musical styles, including Country, Calypso, Rock and Roll, and French Ballads, sets this musical apart. This keeps the show musically interesting, even if some of it is a bit kitsch.
Euan Fistrovic Doidge excels in the role of Joseph. Watching him sing and dance through the show makes you almost believe the part was written for him. His rendition of Close Every Door vibrated around the theatre and sent chills right up into the balcony, but even the show’s namesake isn’t a match for the powerhouse vocals of Paulini.
Ever since her appearance on Australian Idol, I have loved Paulini, but the rest of Australia seemed indifferent. When she found her stride in musical theatre (Saturday Night Fever and The Bodyguard), Aussie audiences remained somewhat apathetic. Paulini’s version of The Narrator, and other roles, cements her place on the national stage! She effortlessly changes from belting out big notes to matching the timidness of the children’s chorus. Definitely a highlight for me!
Unlike Melbourne’s less-than-desirable stunt casting, the Producers saw the light and have cast a true theatre stalwart in the cameo role of Pharaoh. Trevor Ashley brings a welcome campness to the role and uses his years of theatre craft to easily excite the audience.
These leads are supported by a solid ensemble, including incredibly talented children. A particular shout out to Ben Stabile, whose Potiphar was as hilarious as he was commanding. It’s safe to say the future of Australian Theatre is secure.
Get along and see Joseph before all the tickets fly out of sight!
– The other Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig is an international performer and has established himself as a trusted theatre specialist on the Sydney Arts Scene. While he understands the technical side of theatre, Dan writes for the everyday theatregoer (unlike some of those more prominent publications). When not in the audience, he loves to travel the world trying new gin. Follow him on all the socials @talldancraig
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs for 2 hours and 5 minutes (with a 20 min interval) and plays at The Capitol Theatre Sydney through 16 April 2023. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were guests of AB Publicity.
Image credit: Supplied.
