Over the years this show was expanded and the record-breaking production was re-opened at the London Palladium in 1991. Opening night threatened to raise the roof as the audience cheered and applauded the musical, which was full of amusing touches and was even more colorful, tuneful and energetic as before. The new show starring Jason Donavan as Joseph ran for two hours with never a dull moment in between and grossed an astounding £47 million during its first two and a half year run.
This stunning musical features no spoken dialogue at all. The story is sung right through the entire script in lively engaging songs including the ever-popular “Any Dream Will Do” as well as “One More Angel in Heaven” and “Go, Go Joseph”.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is an entertaining, colorful and often amusing interpretation of the bible story of Joseph. It’s the story of Joseph, a poor shepherd boy who is sold as a slave by his own brothers. Thrown in jail, he accurately interprets the Pharaoh’s dreams from his prison cell and in time rises to become one of the most import men in Egypt. It’s a heart-warming story of jealousy, sibling rivalry, faith and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
The whole story is convincingly narrated through beautifully written songs; the absence of any dialogue giving the story an even bigger impact. Though based on the bible, the entire production stays away from any religious overtones and manages not to affect the sensibilities of any religion.
Every scene is vibrant and full of interesting stage sets and colorful costumes. Even Elvis manages to find his way into this entertaining musical, as an amusing version of Pharaoh.
