#1
Posted: 11/7/05 at 12:28pm
I had the opportunity to see Joseph (tour) this weekend. On a whim, I scored some fabulous seats last minute (I'm guessing perhaps released late or cancellation? They hadn't been available days prior) so I grabbed them.
If you are a fan of Joseph, I'd say this production is definitely worth seeing. It's very high on the camp/kitsch factor (which is one of the things I think makes this show so much fun). The sets, costumes and lighting design were superb. The sound was a bit off balance - there were periods where the orchestra drowned out the singers, but that very well could have been the acoustics of the theatre. Now on to the performance...
Patrick Cassidy - I was expecting not to like him after reading some of the opinions on this board. Overall, I thought he was quite good, actually. His acting is good, and his vocals were very "on" at this particular performance. He does bear this uncomfortiable resemblance to a Ken doll, and he is a little older than one would normally imagine Joseph, but overall, I though he was very good. He is very fit, which I guess is important for a role in which your shirt is off half the time! Then again, my age group has a soft spot for Cassidy boys (we grew up on The Partridge Family and The Hardy Boys - I'm dating myself I know), but I did think his performance was better than average. Actually, I enjoyed it very much.
Amy Adams - was fantastic as The Narrator. Her vocals are very controlled and rich sounding - she has quite a belt (without screaming) and she looks like a "storyteller." I think there is definitely a future in the theatre for this talented young lady.
The female Ensemble was pretty good - some of the performers were better actors/dancers than others. There are a lot of gymnastics from this group - which was fun to watch. Go Go Go Joseph was done in a "cheerleader" type of routine - with the extreme facial expressions, lifts, pops and jumps - very cute.
The brothers really steal the show - they are quite funny and silly. I like the mix of ages, heights, body types, that made up the brothers. Too many productions I've seen, they've been the same height, age, etc. This made it more dynamic. They were especially appealing and funny in Those Canaan Days.
Best numbers - One More Angel..., Those Canaan Days, Jacob & Sons/Joseph's Coat, Potiphar's song (Mrs. Potiphar has the moves!)
The Childrens' Choir - They were cute, they actually sang quite well for very young kids (they were maybe ages 7-9), but they almost seemed "out of place." They looked a little awkward up there - I think a little more "glitz" to their costumes (which basically consisted of black trousers and solid color t-shirts - they all wore different colors) would have helped. Looking at their plainclothes against the techno-trippy, glittery production costumes so common to Joseph seemed a little out of place. Not that I didn't like them, but hey, if you're going to make them a part of a production, make them a part of the production!
Bottom line - if you like Joseph, and can catch this on tour, I think this production is in fine form. Enjoy it!
If you are a fan of Joseph, I'd say this production is definitely worth seeing. It's very high on the camp/kitsch factor (which is one of the things I think makes this show so much fun). The sets, costumes and lighting design were superb. The sound was a bit off balance - there were periods where the orchestra drowned out the singers, but that very well could have been the acoustics of the theatre. Now on to the performance...
Patrick Cassidy - I was expecting not to like him after reading some of the opinions on this board. Overall, I thought he was quite good, actually. His acting is good, and his vocals were very "on" at this particular performance. He does bear this uncomfortiable resemblance to a Ken doll, and he is a little older than one would normally imagine Joseph, but overall, I though he was very good. He is very fit, which I guess is important for a role in which your shirt is off half the time! Then again, my age group has a soft spot for Cassidy boys (we grew up on The Partridge Family and The Hardy Boys - I'm dating myself I know), but I did think his performance was better than average. Actually, I enjoyed it very much.
Amy Adams - was fantastic as The Narrator. Her vocals are very controlled and rich sounding - she has quite a belt (without screaming) and she looks like a "storyteller." I think there is definitely a future in the theatre for this talented young lady.
The female Ensemble was pretty good - some of the performers were better actors/dancers than others. There are a lot of gymnastics from this group - which was fun to watch. Go Go Go Joseph was done in a "cheerleader" type of routine - with the extreme facial expressions, lifts, pops and jumps - very cute.
The brothers really steal the show - they are quite funny and silly. I like the mix of ages, heights, body types, that made up the brothers. Too many productions I've seen, they've been the same height, age, etc. This made it more dynamic. They were especially appealing and funny in Those Canaan Days.
Best numbers - One More Angel..., Those Canaan Days, Jacob & Sons/Joseph's Coat, Potiphar's song (Mrs. Potiphar has the moves!)
The Childrens' Choir - They were cute, they actually sang quite well for very young kids (they were maybe ages 7-9), but they almost seemed "out of place." They looked a little awkward up there - I think a little more "glitz" to their costumes (which basically consisted of black trousers and solid color t-shirts - they all wore different colors) would have helped. Looking at their plainclothes against the techno-trippy, glittery production costumes so common to Joseph seemed a little out of place. Not that I didn't like them, but hey, if you're going to make them a part of a production, make them a part of the production!
Bottom line - if you like Joseph, and can catch this on tour, I think this production is in fine form. Enjoy it!
Updated On: 11/7/05 at 12:28 PM
