Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat

The 500-seat Thomaston Opera House opened in 1884. Over the years, countless performers have graced its stage, including Tony and Oscar winners (Ray Bolger, Conrad Nigel) and major concert artists (Enrico Caruso, Marian Anderson). But the current economy has hit the Opera House hard. As I write this, no bookings are scheduled beyond the November/December 2010 production, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, directed by Foster Evans Reese. The Opera House, as presently constituted (Sharon A. Wilcox, managing director), is suspending operations. Everyone is hoping that someone may find a way to save the 126-year-old venue; as of this writing, though, its future is unknown.

But if Joseph is the last production—at least for now—the Opera House is going out with a bang.  Because the cast of fifty that I saw interpret Joseph raised the rafters with such joy and heart and spirit, it was impossible to leave without feeling good. Ian Diedrich as Joseph has a lovely voice, and Mike Gowdy found all of the humor in the role of Pharoah; but this was really an ensemble triumph. The energy in the room was just great. Joseph—unpretentious, eclectic, and stitched together in a raggedy fashion—is my favorite of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice shows.  It's got so much wit and musical variety offering cheeky, charming pastiches in country/western, bubble-gum pop, calypso and other musical genres. And it never takes itself too seriously.  When Musical Director/pianist Sean Lewis began playing in a grandiose fashion, young cast member Bailey Cummings cheerfully called out, "Chill out, Sean!"  It was that kind of night.  Everyone—cast and audience alike—seemed to be having fun.  I hope the Opera House gets saved.

(Pictured: Ian Diedrich and the cast)

Chip Deffaa
Cabaret Scenes
November 17, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org