13 April 2024 I 14:30 I Grand Opera House, York
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
York Stage returns with Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a musical staging of the biblical tale. And what a production they deliver, not only nailing intense dance sequence (Lesley Hill), but introducing an originally exciting style, inviting cabaret, vaudeville and drag to reinforce Nik Briggs' euphoric vision.
Opening the musical, the lighting rig is lowered to the stage, creating a backstage space that Hannah Shaw magically brings to life as our Narrator, alike revisiting a friendly memory. Vocally, she stuns with dramatic flair and a softness to contextualise the story, incredible energy to bind the ensemble together.
Every person on this stage holds insatiable energy, outstanding movement skill with compatible harmonies. There is nothing better seeing a collective truly embracing the joy of a show in every aspect. When performers have endless fun, so do we! The young cast are remarkable in confidence, adding a short song cycle exclusively to let their talent shine through!
Starring as Joseph, Reuben Khan is a dream, allowing for terrific charm and wonderous dimension to the role. Acted with honest intention, Khan gives us everything we could ever want, and so much more! Carly Morton's Pharaoh is immediately clever, igniting a sparkly Elvis inspired character that compliments the music's pop funk, one of the many moments you want to get up and dance!
The fabrics of Charades Theatrical's costuming enhance the pacing of movement alongside Briggs' set work, a pleasing visual aesthetic notably with an array of vibrant lighting (Adam Moore). Sat beside Adam Tomlinson's orchestra, an energetic life persists across the entirety. If you don't have Go Go Joseph in your head for the rest of the week, have you even seen the show?!!
York Stage revitalise the Webber-Rice favourite with the most all-around fabulous stage presence, delighting audiences, a standing ovation to finish with a megamix exuding colossal spirit. You walk out of the theatre feeling energised and radiant unlike any other musical!
Part of a shorter series of reviews, initially published on Instagram to manage university demand.
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