From Deseret News archives:
Cassidy takes 'Joseph' on beyond Donny
Maybe you can't reinvent the wheel, but directors and choreographers are continually finding new ways to reinvent "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."
And — I may get a few irate e-mails about this — but in this neck of the woods, it's unfair to label "Joseph" as purely Donny Osmond's show. Osmond did a great job with it, but there comes a time to move on, and now Patrick Cassidy has (for the second time) tackled the role.
With choreography that is packed with high-velocity energy and a look that captures a bright, Vegas-style glitz, this "Joseph" doesn't have to take a back seat to any of its predecessors.
Cassidy slides effortlessly into the title role, with his well-honed tenor voice and his affable style. He also infuses his show-stopping ballad, "Close Every Door," with a feeling of loneliness.
Amy Adams, best known as an "American Idol" finalist, is making her nationwide stage debut as the Narrator — a key role similar in some respects to Ringling Bros.' singing ringmaster. She has her own fair share of solos, plus she gets right into the middle of most of the ensemble bits, too, as she shepherds other performers (including Salt Lake City's own International Children's Choir) around the stage.
The large touring cast has several other standouts as well, including Melissa Hurley Cassidy (yes — Patrick's wife) as the seductive and sensuous Mrs. Potiphar, Todd DuBail as the swivel-hipped Pharaoh, Nicholas F. Saverine as both Jacob and Potiphar, Craig Cady as the Butler and Tony Gonzales, pinch-hitting on opening night as the Baker.
Nicely showcased in a couple of the songs were Ken Nelson as Reuben, singing "One More Angel in Heaven"; Matthew LaBanca as Simeon, lamenting "Those Canaan Days" and Terrence McKinnley Clowe as Judah, leading the ensemble through the "Benjamin Calypso."
"Joseph" is a musical that never takes itself too seriously, and you can instantly tell you're in for some fun when the curtain raises on what looks like a fanciful circus tent — with Jacob & Sons inscribed along the top and "Shepherds Extraordinaire" chiseled along the bottom.
Director Dallett Norris stays true to the original concept of the show, while freshening it up for a new generation. Choreographer Arlene Phillips, assisted by Louanne Madorma-Williams, keeps things moving without any let-up.
E-mail: ivan@desnews.com,
