Bolstered by the innovative choreography of Andy Blankenbuehler, mastermind behind lauded hip-hop musical “Hamilton,” Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s presentation of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” was a hit its opening night Friday in Scranton.
Theatergoers at Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple were transported to biblical-era Canaan and Egypt for the reimagined tale of the title character and his “coat of many colors” from the Book of Genesis. J.C. McCann ably commanded the stage as the lead — a role he’s lived in since the national tour began in September — most notably during the number “Close Every Door.”
Despite themes as weighty as slavery, infidelity and fratricide, the production was colorful, upbeat and full of comedic relief. The well-rehearsed ensemble displayed a great deal of chemistry, particularly among Joseph’s 11 scheming brothers and their wives. Narrator Laura Helm’s remarkable vocal range wowed throughout the entire show and kept the pace electric.
Numbers such as “Potiphar” and “One More Angel in Heaven” were crowd-pleasers thanks to the melodic, accessible lyrics and music of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
By the final song of the first act, the audience appeared completely enraptured by the revitalized and beloved musical.
“‘Go, Go, Go Joseph’ is a really fun moment to connect with the audience,” Mr. McCann told The TimesTribune in a January interview. From the dazzled smiles plastered on hundreds of faces in the multigenerational audience, it was clear the feeling was mutual.
The second half of the show maintained its energy, thanks in part to Joe Ventricelli as an Elvis-inspired Pharaoh who led the hilarious “Song of the King.” Great use of props and vocal harmonies during “Those Canaan Days” reaped loud peals of laughter from the crowd. Kyle Freeman, as Judah, catapulted the production to its ultimate message of personal redemption with the number “Benjamin Calypso,” clearing the path to the moral of the show: Forgiveness is divine and never stop dreaming.
The show continues today at 2 and 8 p.m., and closes on Sunday night with a final performance at 7.
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