***** Tonight  marks my 119th time seeing a production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”!+ For those who are unfamiliar with this show ( I would think you must be 5 or under) this is a “sung -thru” musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, and is a family-friendly retelling of the story of Joseph from the Bible.

Believe it or not, this show  began as a pop-up, 15 minute skit (1968) and a year later, recorded with all of the additional music and lyrics. It was not until 1982 that it made its way to Broadway and since that time has been produced on many stages with many casts and always loved by one and all. As I say , on a regular basis, every time one sees a play, it is different and unique. A different director, theater, stage, cast, musical director and guess what, a different production.

Let me tell you that the current production at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is one of a kind— and superb! No matter how many times you may have seen this play, you have not seen THIS production, and this is one NOT TO BE MISSED! Under the direction ( and choreography)of Amber Mak, on an in-the-round stage with set design by Jeffrey D. Kmiec, you are witness to a great re-telling of this biblical story. Many of us here in Chicago, were fortunate to see Donny Osmond play the role of Joseph ( Chicago Theatre) with a wonderful understudy, Bernie Yvon, who took over when Donny left, and feel a little spoiled. I am here to tell you that Devin DeSantis makes one heck of a Joseph, and to make this production even stronger, Marriott has brought back Kaitlyn Davis ( last season’s Carol King in “Beautiful”) to take on the role of the Narrator. Let’s call them the “Dynamic Duo” as they bring all the parts of the show together into one fine-tuned unit.

When the show begins, we are in what appears to be a backyard, where a young family’s daughter (Avelyn Lena Choi is terrific) is playing in a tent. While Joseph ( DeSantis) and her mother (Davis) tell her the story before bedtime. The story is what we know as the tale of Joseph ( Jacob’s favorite son- Jacob is played to perfection by Marriott favorite George Keating) being given a special coat of colors, making his brothers very jealous. FYI-Joseph is a “dreamer” and there are people who believe that he sees the future through these dreams. This becomes very important along the way.

The jealous brothers ( Mak has opted not to use all males for the brothers, so you will see females acting as brothers, but these ladies will also become other characters, just as many of the men will don women’s garments along the way. I must say the costumes (Theresa ham) are absolutely amazing and the quick changes the actors make are even more so. The 11 other brothers are played by:Lillian Castillo ( I told you there were women playing these roles),Christopher Kale Jones, Michael Earvin Martin, Teah Kiang Mirabelli, Leah Morrow, Justin Payton Nelson, Juwon Tyrel Perry and Tommy Rivera-Vega- all terrific dancers and singers and on occasion, they play other characters as well.

You do not do a show like this without a strong ensemble: Kayla Kennedy, Ron King, Maxel McLoud Schingen, Lena Soszynski, Elizabeth Telford, Amanda Walker, J. Tyler Whitmer. Margot Frank, Kevin Kuska, Jordan Radis and Savannah Sinclair.

If you have seen this show before, you know the importance of the Pharaoh ( you will love the one and only Lorenzo Rush Jr . in this role). Rush doesn’t play it as much “Elvis” as others have, but clearly sets his own tone and creates something special and as he says to an audience member, “seeing his number is worth the price of the ticket”. It is true. I must tell you that this is one of the most impressive renditions I have ever seen of “Joseph” and it is important for you to know that it ain’t over when you think it is. When the show appears to be over, they will come back for what is called a “re-boot”. Unlike the Chicago Theatre production, they will not come back out dressed in white jeans and t-shirts, but will give you a 15 minute re-cap that will  grab you and give you something to think about on the way home. This is one that I suggest you see, no matter what!

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will continue Thru – Mar 30th with performances as follows: