Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - CMPAC | 3.16.24

Photo Credit: Lisa Schindlar

CM Performing Arts Center is presenting ‘JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT’ from March 16th to April 6th and I had the pleasure of catching it opening night! This show is a CM classic, having been done countless times over the years. It is a family-friendly retelling of the story of Joseph from the Bible’s Book of Genesis that is completely sung through with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice; a style similar to Jesus Christ Superstar.

EMILY GATES as THE NARRATOR | Photo Credit: Lisa Schindlar

CM’s 2024 production features a delightful company, spearheaded by the effervescent Emily Gates as The Narrator and Will Brennan in the title role of Joseph. Gates was absolutely spectacular and you knew you were in for a treat right from the beginning as the show opened; however, once she began “Jacob and Sons” it became clear that this was a role she was always supposed to play.

She was consistent throughout, moving through each number with confidence and - dare I say - was damn near flawless.

Brennan did not disappoint either, giving us a dynamic performance as he took us through the various stages in Joseph’s life. He was strong when he needed to be, meek and reserved when the story called for it, and loving and gracious when finally reunited with his family. “Close Every Door” is one of the most popular musical theater songs and he delivered it with ease. His gentle nature and smooth vocals made you feel what you imagine Joseph felt in that moment.

WILL BRENNAN as JOSEPH | Photo Credit: Lisa Schindler

Joseph’s brothers also provided solid vocals and strong harmonies, which greatly impressed me! Act 2 featured both Simeon (played by Michael Krulder) singing “Those Canaan Days” and Judah (played by Giovanni Marine) singing “Benjamin Calypso”. These were absolute standouts with the latter being exceptionally sweet - seeing Marine dance alongside his daughter in this number was absolutely precious! I love knowing the real life relationships of players in a show and while others may not have known - it made me smile from ear to ear. We’re watching people make lifelong memories while we’re making some of our own and that is truly the beauty of theater! James O’Connor also gave us a solid performance as Pharaoh, whose Elvis impression was so enjoyable that you didn’t want it to end.

LET’S NOT FORGET THE LADIES, THOUGH! The rest of the ensemble is rounded out with the wives and they danced and sang their way through the show wonderfully. The choreography (also done by Rochelle Martin, playing double duty as this production’s director as well) was crisp and everyone was in sync and confident.

Special shoutout to Steffy Jolin, who has become a staple on the CM stage.

Every one of her movements draw your attention - whether it is her beaming smile, energetic dancing, or sheer beauty - when she is on stage, you can’t take your eyes off of her!

STEFFY JOLIN and JOHN MAZZARELLA | Photo Credit: Lisa Schindlar

From a technical/creative standpoint, Ronald R. Green III’s costume design was another home run for CM. Costumes are often taken for granted and should not be, because it plays hand in hand with setting the tone of a scene and he did so magnificently.  John Mazzarella provided the scenic design once again (also playing double duty as he was featured in the show as the Baker) and was quite effective, providing the perfect backdrop for the talent on stage and Green’s costuming. This (to my knowledge, anyway) was my first experience with a Martin-directed production and after this, I’m all in! Give me more! Everyone understood what they were there to do and executed - here’s hoping that we get to see more of her work in upcoming seasons.

All in all, JOSEPH is an absolutely delightful way to spend your evening and is running until Saturday, April 6th - however it is important to mention that on April 5th, they will be assisting to raise money for Dylan Dowdell. The Dowdell family has been a part of the CM family for years and he has recently been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and needs our support. If you plan to attend this night use the promo code DYLAN when purchasing your ticket and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the family to aid in his treatment. Additionally, there will be a 50/50 and additional raffles to help as well. Please consider supporting this night or supporting the organization as a whole! Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office or on their website at www.cmpac.com.

Photo Credit: Lisa Schindlar

Cast:

Narrator - Emily Gates

Joseph - Will Brennan

Jacob - Barry johnson

Reuben - Briggs G. Houston

Simeon - Michael Krulder

Levi - James O’Connor

Naphtali - Eddie D’Atri

Issachar - Alexander Yagud-Wolek

Asher - John Mazzarella

Dan - Carson Warkenthien

Zebulun - David Lafler

Gad - AJ Lawrence

Benjamin - Jake Cooney

Judah - Giovanni Marine

Ishmaelite - Dominick Iadanza

Reuben’s Wife - Sarah Klaum

Potiphar - Barry Johnson

Mrs. Potiphar - Michele Segal

Butler - Jake Cooney

Baker - John Mazzarella

Pharaoh - James O’connor

Apache Dancer - Steffy Jolin

Kid’s Choir - Anna Bolze, Edward Langston, Alia Marine, Sadie Mathers, Elise Minerva, Emily Minerva, Ariella Mossey, Jackson Rodin, Jax Segal, Elliot Torbenson, Hannah Wright

Women’s Chorus - Steffy Jolin, Kristi Kahen, Sarah Klaum, Anabella Koelmel, Isabella Licata, Mahi Marine, Paige Mathers, Jessica Pecorella, Molly Sanges, Michele Segal, Julia Villani

Creative Team:

Director & Choreographer - Rochelle Martin

Music Director - Matthew W. Surico

Stage Manager - Jay moser

Sound Designer - Tim Haggerty

Scenic Designer - John Mazzarella

Lighting Designer - Brandon Latargia

Costume/Wig Designer - Ronald R. Green III