Joseph is back at The Rep. And we are very excited. We’ve missed him. But this is not your mother’s Joseph (as we heard one of the audience member’s remark after the first act). No, this Joseph is better.
We’re referring, of course, to the latest production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat that is currently in production at the Arkansas Repertory Theater. We’ve seen it twice now, and it is only in its second week of the run. Yes, it’s that good.
We saw it during it’s first preview night with our ministaffers. They loved it. The high energy cast makes each number fun, and by the end of the show, both ministaffers were dancing in the aisles. Our second viewing was during opening night. We sit third row center during opening night – and always love those seats.
Joseph is the story from Genesis that tells the tale of Jacob’s favorite son, and what happens to him when his 11 brothers become jealous of him and sell him as a slave to Egypt.
Joseph is played by Austin Miller, whom some of you may know as “Hot Danny” from Grease: You’re the One that I Want. And yes, he is hot. Women – bring a fan. Austin is the most handsome Joseph we’ve ever encountered. And he can sing and dance, too.
But don’t let Austin’s good looks cloud your view of the rest of the cast. They are amazing as well. The brothers are a cast of 11 extraordinarily talented dancers and singers. They exude energy and never falter in the different types of dancing numbers – from country to reggae – these guys are good.
The Narrator, played by Jenna Coker-Jones, is a hoot. We’ve seen Joseph directed in a number of different ways, but never with the Narrator as a bit of a sarcastic member of the band of brothers. It actually works, and provides another level of humor to this production.
And we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the costumes. Designed by The Rep’s own Rafael Castanera, these are truly some of the most stunning costumes we’ve seen. But we’re always impressed with Castanera’s talent at creating spectacular costumes that fit perfectly with the production – whatever it may be.
We can’t say enough good things about this show. And we’re ready to see it again before it closes. We encourage all of you to buy tickets as well. Is your family coming in for the holidays? Get tickets for the whole lot of them. It will be the best present you could buy for them, and the memories will last long after the curtain comes down.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Arkansas Repertory Theater
Through January 3, 2010
Visit www.therep.org or call (501) 378-0405 to buy tickets.
