|
|
Copyright (c) |
By Daniel Hines The opening night of ‘Joseph’, one of our favorite plays, at the Fabulous Fox Theater proved that there is wisdom in going with something that is sure to be well received to kick off the 2005-2006 Broadway Series. True, there were some technical difficulties with the sound system for the cast, particularly during the ‘One More Angel in Heaven’ number, and there was a greater emphasis upon American Idol’s Amy Adams as the narrator than in previous productions I had seen, and unfortunately, Joseph, played by Patrick Cassidy, is turned into a untrustworthy steward for Potiphar when, after being thrown into Mrs. Potiphar’s bed, he succumbs to temptation and is caught in a compromising situation with the beautiful temptress (who in real life is Cassidy’s wife, Melissa), and that is the reason for him being thrown into prison. Come on guys, that’s not what happened, and to make it appear that Joseph was anything but wrongly charged, is discomforting and takes away from the story of how Joseph remained true to his convictions and that is what made his restoration all the more meaningful. But, of course, this is a fun show. It is just that there remains a moral. Having put that aside, this show is a high energy, colorful production in which both Cassidy and Adams shine with absolutely great singing voices. Thanks to American Idol for providing the vehicle that enable Adams to have had her opportunity. Her voice is nothing short of fantastic, and, it seemed that during the second act, her physical presence on the stage was not as prevalent, and she seemed to be more integrated into the flow of the show.
Nonetheless, Adams has a voice made for musical theater, and it is likely that she will someday have her own starring role in a production designed especially to showcase her. Cassidy also has a wonderful voice that is probably the reason that audiences have voted him their favorite Joseph. And, after being somewhat subjected in the first act to give Adams a more prominent role, he gets his chance as the show progress to display his talent. And, of course, there’s always ‘Elvis’ Pharaoh. This has to be one of those role that performers dream of landing. It’s a crowd favorite, it allows the Pharaoh to ham it up, and it just makes the audience feel good. And, Todd DuBail takes full advantage of his opportunity. He had all the right moves, he’s young and good looking, not unlike Elvis used to be, and he takes over the stage. A word about the ensemble: This is a group of young people that just blow you away with their dancing and energy. Combine that with the kooky costuming and bright colors, and a set that includes a sun-glass wearing Pharaoh-Sphinx and the Fox audience had a visual treat that is one of the best-designed Joseph sets we have seen. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention The Muny Kids who provide the backdrop of a ‘school’ setting for Adams. They kicked off the second act and were delightful. Plus, it’s good to see the cooperation between The Fox and The Muny in providing such a wonderful opportunity to spotlight the kids. After the show, my wife, Brooks, asked what I like best. It’s simple. It has to be the Joseph Megamix in which the hand-clapping audience is brought to its feet by a fast-moving reprise of each of the show’s numbers. It is a fantastic look that reminds us just how talented this cast is. KUDOS FOR RELIEF EFFORT: After the Joseph Megamix, Cassidy told the audience that there would be cast members collecting funds for Katrina Relief as the audience left the theater. It was yet another example of old sayings about the kindness of show people. Interestingly enough, one woman seemed to be upset, storming out even as Cassidy was talking, swearing, using the ‘F” word, saying no ‘F---ing’ way. Hard to say what upset her…perhaps it was the fact that the collection was being conducted by a show business group working to curb and cure HIV…or perhaps she is one of those people who believe that Katrina was God’s judgment upon New Orleans…or perhaps she is just a Bitch. I suspect it is the latter. But even her tantrum can’t take away the wonderful evening provided by Cassidy, Adams and all the others, nor their kindness in reaching out to the Katrina victims. It’s not just my opinion. The performance was greeted by absolutely the largest round of applause I have heard at The Fabulous Fox. This is a show that we wholeheartedly recommend seeing…and then brace your seat belts for some really entertaining performances and a fast-moving, high-energy evening that will leave you feeling good…unless you’re sitting next to someone like the woman who stormed out.
|
|
Talented
stars, cast, high energy overcome opening night technical problems
for well-received ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’