Peter Abrikian, Gleaner Writer
Dario Morgan plays an Elvis-like Rameses, Pharoah of Egypt, in 'Joseph and His Amazing Dreamcoat'. - Photo by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer
Sean Baugh, who plays Joseph, has a terrific voice and is a true pleasure to listen to. He makes an excellent centrepiece for a talented team of soloists to surround.
When the curtains rose on the Jamaica Junior Theatre's 2007 production of the 1968 classic, Joseph and His Amazing Dreamcoat, they opted to drop the 'technicolor' from the original title and a vibrantly-costumed narrator, Shauna-Kaye James (understudy), paved the path to what quickly became a very delightful experience.
Joseph's story is right out of Genesis 39 and most Jamaicans will be familiar with it.
From father's favorite to Egyptian slave, dream interpreter extraordinaire to Potiphar's lustful wife, overseer of all Egypt, to the final reuniting of Jacob's sundered family - it's all there.
Sean Baugh, who plays Joseph, has a terrific voice and is a true pleasure to listen to. He makes an excellent centrepiece for a talented team of soloists to surround.
ELVIS-LIKE RAMSES
In particular, Dario Morgan's depiction of the Elvis-like Rameses, Pharoah of Egypt, stole the show.
It is a testimony to the strength of his performance that he achieved this despite what should have been a crippling technical difficulty with his microphone.
The rebellious microphone was extremely uncooperative and random phrases of his solo piece were all that the majority of the audience were able to hear. Nonetheless - and this does warrant repetition - he stole the show.
Toni Wilson is to be commended on his choreography of the some 40 plus members that make up the company.
The often crowded stage never once felt claustrophobic. And, of course, eight-year-olds dancing will always be a winner. Wilson has also given us the unexpected treat of choreographing a solo-dance (Theresa Wong Ken) just after intermission.
The costumes of Arlene Richards and Carolyn Chin Yee are grandiose. These ladies have seamlessly inserted the cast into a vision right out of the Arabian nights. Joseph's final dreamcoat is indeed, amazing.
Kaiel Eytle's set seemed more functional than decorative, and while it did not detract from the experience in any way, it did not add very much to it either.
It is hard to go wrong when the brilliance of Andrew Lloyd Webber is your guiding light. His music is timeless in its ability to please. Watch the show, and you may just be inspired to purchase the soundtrack.
The narrator is also played by Stephanie Hazle and Aisha Ricketts.
Joseph is also played by Dario Morgan.
Pharoah is also played by Elijah Gayle.
The solo dance after intermission is also performed by Gabrielle Miller.
