The Catskill Chronicle

Review by Carol Montana

FORESTBURGH, NY (June 19, 2013) – Back when Andrew Lloyd Webber was still working with lyricist Tim Rice, the duo created the amazing musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.” What many people don’t know is that even though another of their works, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” received its first Broadway production in 1982, the show’s genesis (pun intended) actually occurred in 1968 as a 15-minute pop cantata – before “Superstar.” In fact, it was the success of “Superstar” that prompted the dynamic team to begin the transformations of “Joseph” into what was to become their second Broadway smash.

The story, of course, is based on the biblical “coat of many colors” tale, with Jacob and his 12 sons – Joseph being the favorite – and of the brothers’ jealousy of Joseph’s position and his dreams of being superior to them.

In the musical version, the events are guided by a narrator as she tells the story to a group of children.

In the current production of “Joseph” at the Forestburgh Playhouse, directed and choreographed by Dann Dunn, it is the dance and the vocal work of the chorus that really stands out. In fact the chorus shows as many colors as Joseph’s coat, easily switching musical styles from rap to western, to disco, to rock and roll, to French and Mexican. The energy displayed onstage leaves the audience breathless and hungry for more.

Fine work is turned in by Michael Starr as Joseph and John Jeffords as Pharaoh, who gets to play Elvis Presley in the musical number “Song of the King.”

Unfortunately, there’s one little problem. Jessica Wagner’s voice does not have the vocal range needed for the role of the narrator. The result is that she was screeching in order to make the high notes. From the very beginning of the show, it was hard to understand what she was singing, and at times, she and others onstage were drowned out by the too-loud orchestra. Whether the lack of understanding was caused by Wagner’s failure to enunciate, or a problem with the sound system is unclear. The actress has previously received glowing reviews in this paper for her roles in “The Sound of Music,” “Fame,” “Avenue Q,” and “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” The narrator’s role is crucial, she sets the tone, she tells the story. It’s frustrating when the story cannot be understood.

Costuming by Gretchen Halle is wonderful, as is Trevor Frederiksen’s multi-level set, which is very well used throughout.

Go see “Joseph,” – now through June 30 – for the marvelous songs and the spectacular dance, for an adorable Joseph and the wonderful chorus.

Don’t forget the buffet dinner and the ever-popular cabaret. For times, directions, ticket prices and reservations, visit www.fbplayhouse.org or call the box office at 845-794-1194.

Starting on July 2 is Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.”