Weathervane Playhouse’s ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ delivers

The term “Technicolor” has been used as far back as 1916 and is used to promote movie films that are above and beyond the norm. The very complicated process was at first reserved only for those films that the studios felt were worthy of the effort. To the audience it meant that what you are about to witness was dazzling, bigger than life and totally entertaining. This is why the term was used in the quite long moniker of “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat”.

In 1965 the team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were working on “The Likes Of Us” (later to become “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat”). With the success of “Jesus Christ Superstar” the short 35 minute work of “Joseph” was expanded and brought out of its amateur stage productions stage. With the release of the album in 1971 it was further expanded and made its West End appearance in 1973 and its Broadway debut in 1982.

This is an extremely complex production that in order to be successful must excel in a multitude of areas. You need a young cast with a few veteran actors included, a really good orchestra, ensemble singers and dancers who can pull off the challenging numbers and dazzling costumes that are colorful as well as functional.

The challenge with this tongue in cheek biblical story is the variety of musical genres visited during the performance. It ranges from traditional Broadway tunes, Country Western, Rock and Roll, Ballads, Calypso and a French torch song thrown in for good measure.

The current production by Weathervane Playhouse covers all of the bases splendidly. Rachael Armbruster as Narrator commands the stage. Noah Casino as Joseph has a fine singing voice and presence. Micah Harvey as Pharaoh/Elvis steals every scene. The set of eleven brothers are perfectly cast along with the ensemble. Lastly, Steve Brown as Jacob/Potiphar rounds out the cast. The small but mighty five piece orchestra is under the direction of Bradley Wyner and take on the challenging music with professional aplomb.

The show is smartly directed and choreographed by Marissa Leenaarts. Jack-Anthony Ina handles the innovated layered stage set. The lighting by Richard Morris, Jr. and sound design by Christopher Pepe are superb. A star in their own right are the costumes designed by Jasen J. Smith who uses clever techniques to fill the stage with swirling color. It must also be mentioned that the youth choir of St. Francis Desales that is used as back-up singers are extraordinary.

Once again Weathervane Playhouse has risen to the challenge and staged a very complex musical production that is pleasing to all the senses. With a wink and a nod the cast lets us in on the fun of this family friendly show with a message. Come be dazzled.

The Weathervane Playhouse production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be on stage at 1301 Weathervane Lane in Akron, Ohio through December 21, 2025. For tickets and more information go to http://www.weathervaneplayhouse.com or call (330) 836-1301.