Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Joseph scores in El Dorado Hills


“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, provides another triumphant production for El Dorado Musical Theatre (http://www.edmt.info/). It follows the Biblical story of Joseph, from the heights of being Jacob’s favorite son, through slavery and imprisonment, to redemption through his gift of prophecy through interpretation of dreams.

It could be called an opera rather than a musical because every word is sung. The music offers a range of styles, from country Western to Calypso, and there’s plenty of delightful comedy. It’s hard to believe we’re seeing a cast of youthful youngsters—26 performers between ages14 and 22, plus a choir of 18 between 8 and 13—gracefully coordinated at a brisk pace through song and dance. Can Broadway do better?

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” continues through February 22 at Oak Ridge High School Theater, 1120 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. Performances are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., plus one show on Thursday, February 19, at 7 p.m. Get tickets online at www.edmt.info or call (916) 941-SING. Tickets are $22 for adults, $17 for children and seniors.

For a complete review go to the website of Village Life of El Dorado Hills: http://www.villagelife.com/edition/?haspdf=1. Check A-18 and A-24.


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