Show shines against simple backdrop

Review
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Palmerston North Boys' High School, Speirs Centre.
Director – Chris Burton

It was director Chris Burton's wish to deconstruct the production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat so the melodic score, musical talents of the orchestra and the able voices of the cast could shine true.

His wish came through. Simple sets, basic costumes – with a few exceptions – and minimal scene changes meant the cast could concentrate on the task at hand, which was giving it all they had and having fun to boot.

Joseph is renowned for being a vibrant show, conceived in the late sixties by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, with a large chorus that heralded the style of the musical writing duo.

With all the cast on stage at the beginning of the show it was easy to see that each and every one of them was excited and champing at the bit to get going.

A few sound hitches during Joseph's Close Every Door meant actor Alistair Cartwright had to reach for a hand microphone, which didn't seem to faze him in the slightest. He gave enough voice for the poignant words to be heard but reserved enough to retain the soulful sadness of the song.

Stand-out performances came from Cam Dow as Reuben, who led the hoe-down of One More Angel backed up comically – with just the right amount of overacting – by the rest of Joseph's brothers. Sam Clark's hip swivelling, lip twitching, Elvis lookalike Pharaoh was a deserved crowd favourite.

When all the action is happening on the stage it's easy to overlook the musical achievements of the orchestra, and that would be a tragedy. Led by musical director Sava Djukic the musical backing to the show ensured each number was vibrant and roused the actors to produce their best. Palmerston North Boys' High School has a reputation for producing high-quality productions. From the smiles on the audience members' faces, it was clear this year is no exception.

Performances run until Saturday, March 27.

- © Fairfax NZ News