By: William Pedrick, Clayton High School, Clayton
EGG HARBOR CITY. N.J. — It’s not every day you get to hear a country song, a French ballad, an Elvis-inspired rock-and-roll number, and more in one performance. Anyone lucky enough to see Cedar Creek High School‘s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat witnessed this plethora of musical styles in one spectacular showing.
Based on the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a sung-through musical composed by the great Andrew Lloyd Webber. The show premiered on the West End in 1973, incorporating the popular musical styles of the 1960s and 70s. The musical deals with themes of resentment and favoritism but ends by showing the power of a united family.
Cedar Creek High School’s production transported the audience back to Canaan and Egypt for an awe-inspiring performance! The most impressive feat of the cast was seamlessly transitioning from one song to the next, vocally and choreographically. While many amazing songs filled the musical experience, “Benjamin Calypso” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph” were standout.
The phenomenal leading actors of this show captured the essence of their roles through beautiful vocals and impressive acting. Matthew Goodrich (Joseph) shone like the colors of the dreamcoat in this show. He demonstrated high energy throughout his entire performance. He was joined onstage by two narrators, Kacie Burnett and Chesney Bugdon. Both narrators showed off their exceptional voices and dancing abilities. All three leads maintained the energy and kept the musical moving from song to song.
The musical was made complete with the loveable supporting cast and ensemble. All 12 brothers were hilarious, with Benjamin Lord (Reuben) and Keniyah Johnson (Judah) commanding the stage in their solo numbers. Numbers focused on the brothers, like “Those Canaan Days” and “Benamin Calypso,” stood out due to their chemistry and comedic timing. Mia Simone (Mrs. Potiphar) used her one big moment to remain a memorable character throughout the entire show. Other audience favorites included Ash Hultquist (Pharaoh) and the amusing camel duo Rylee Cohen and Alexander Gall. They were hysterically funny and an overall joy to watch.
The behind-the-scenes work on this performance breathed life into the already vibrant production. The show’s lightning seemed professionally done due to its complexity and spectacular precision. Surprisingly, however, it was all student-operated! Presley Thurlow, the production manager and light board operator, presented the lighting that perfectly complimented the actions on the stage. As the ensemble sang the colors of “Joseph’s Coat,” the lighting changed to display them! Other notable technical elements included the amazingly engineered Pharaoh’s head that appeared and opened up at the beginning of Act 2 and the beautiful costumes and make-up decisions.
The cast and crew of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat flourished with their take on the classic musical, so may they receive as many praises as there are colors to Joseph’s coat!
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