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‘Joseph’ an example of what makes people love Stages St. Louis

By Daniel Hines
Publisher, America’s Seniors at TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com

 Stages St. Louis has a unique relationship with the audiences that flock to its shows…it’s more of a ‘happening’, a ‘love affair’ in which the always enthusiastic talent pool Stages St. Louis draws from and is rewarded with equally enthusiastic audience receptions.

That’s what happened with the really fun and enjoyable presentation of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s standard, ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.’

The story, of course, is that of the Hebrew shepherd boy, Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob.  It is always a blast of color, music and dance as it provides a light-hearted look at Joseph and his talents, as well as the shortcomings that caused him so much trouble in the first place. 

The Stages production faced a particular challenge that was amazingly overcome by choreographed by Stephen

Bourneuf, namely the smallish stage and setting of the Reim Theater.  After all Jacob had more than one wife, and a flock of children, all guys. 

But, somehow Bourneuf pulls it off and even allows the gang of misfits that make up Jacob’s clan to deliver all the fun and laughs that might otherwise have been restricted.

One change in the Stages production that requires some adjustment by the audience is the prominent role of the narrator, played with vast energy and a big voice that belies her small size by Jenna Corker-Jones, the real life wife of Christopher Kale Jones, who plays Joseph. 

If you have seen ‘Joseph’ many times over a number of years, you likely recall a more subdued narrator than that offered by Ms. Corker-Jones. 

Here, I must admit to a personal prejudice.  To me, ‘Joseph’ is not merely a collection of crazy costumes and songs, but reflects that God really does have a sense of humor and, as noted in the original script, what the brothers met for evil, God met for good. So, I believe the story, the music and the characters are sufficient unto themselves, and it took me a bit to adjust to seeing the narrator elevated to more of a ‘star’ role.

But, it is something that is quickly overcome, as Ms. Corker-Jones injects her unlimited energy into the performance and makes the role her own.

Husband Christopher Kale Jones, offers a wry sense of humor with a ‘cuteness’ that gives his early Joseph a boyish quality, which provides a good backdrop for the conclusion as he matures into not only a talented leader but a personification of forgiveness.

A special kudo to the gang of brothers.  A Stages’ favorite, Ben Nordstrom, once again steals the show with his rendition of ‘One More Angel in Heaven.’  Add to this the ‘Benjamin Calypso’ , an unlikely but truly enjoyable plea for the innocence of Benjamin delivered by Vernon Goodman.  But, you also have to give credit to the full cast of brothers for their energy.

And, therein lies the secret of Stages St. Louis’ success.  It has established itself as a premier player in the St. Louis entertainment scene…a role it will continue to play if it keeps the spirit and fun of productions like ‘Joseph.’