Rodgers' 'Joseph' production is solid, peppy performance

"JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT," Rodgers Memorial Theatre, 292 E. Pages Lane, Centerville, through July 18 ( 801-298-1302); running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes (one intermission)

CENTERVILLE — Perennial favorite "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" has been done so many times along the Wasatch Front that most actors have been in it at least once (if not more) and can recite the show word-for-word.

And in an effort to keep the show fresh, many theaters have tried to put their own "twist" on the show — adding localisms such as "Oh my heck" and jokes about green Jell-O.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical just opened at Rodgers Memorial Theater, and director Maurie Tarbox did a very nice job of bringing this comfy ol' sweatshirt of a musical back to life — without trying to make it something "new."

In her director's notes, Tarbox acknowledges, "Our goal has been to present this beautiful and fun story in its truest sense," which I appreciated.

One of the best things about "Joseph" is that the cast can be as big as you'd like it to be. Which is why, perhaps, it has become such a staple in community theater. This production certainly boasts just that — a very large cast.

With more than 30 adults and more than 20 darling kids to keep track of, it's impressive, indeed, that they all seem to find a place on stage.

The downside of having so many on stage is the volume. With 30-50 folks ad-libbing and singing "las" and "ooohs," it frequently drowns out the soloists. I was unable to tell if it was because everyone's mics were on, or if the sound just carries, but I'd like to have that sound cut way back so that the storytelling is perfectly clear — just in case someone hasn't see the show before.

On Saturday night, the soloists were certainly worth hearing. Angela Jeffries (double cast with Leni Kershisnik) does a terrific job with the tough-to-pull-off role of narrator.

Her warm stage presence keeps the story engaging; she has great comedic timing and delivery; her lyrical soprano voice is lovely and when she belts … stand back.

With his "winning smile," Ricky Dowse (double cast with Bradley Quinn Lever) is darling in the role of Joseph and also delivers a very nice "Close Ever Door."

Besides a lot of volume, the large cast delivers loads of energy, great harmonies (musically directed by Peter Steenblik) and some pretty impressive dancing. Choreographer Susan S. DeMill does a nice job creating numbers that showcase the dancers but give the non-dancers plenty to do as well.

There are some choices that don't quite work. I was surprised to see that the Pharaoh, "The King," doesn't have anything reminiscent of Elvis, "The King," in his costuming, hair or makeup.

The joke of the visual-reveal is lost and the impact of the hip-swiveling King doesn't pack enough punch. I also think having the chorus on stage during "Close Every Door" minimizes Joseph's loneliness and despair; and they are costumed like the Grim Reaper, which is puzzling.

Other than that, and a few scattered late entrances, probably due to nerves, Rodgers offers a solid and peppy production of a Utah favorite.

I applaud the theater for picking another show in which so many talented members of the community can participate. Most importantly, everyone on stage seemed to be having a wonderful time, and there is nothing puzzling about that.

E-mail: ehansen@desnews.com