Andy Morris sparkles as Joseph in the Harrell Theatre production of ''Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,'' the tuneful, breezy Webber-Rice take on the familiar Bible story.
Collierville's Harrell Theatre has outdone itself with the current production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."
Andy Morris sparkles as Joseph in the Harrell Theatre production of ''Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,'' the tuneful, breezy Webber-Rice take on the familiar Bible story.
Director Amy Hanford knows how to put on a good show, but this is one of her best yet, blending breathtaking energy, attention to detail and smart choices in casting, costuming, music direction and sets.
The Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice musical that evolved through the late 1960s and 70s is hugely popular in community theater. It takes the familiar Bible story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, keeps it light and not too religious, and mixes in a giddy array of musical styles. There's country, Caribbean, disco, French ballad and most famously, an indulgent Pharaoh-as-Elvis sequence.
The Harrell production immerses itself into each of these numbers with snappy, high-octane choreography, mostly onstage but often with players in the aisles or on the mini-stage above the action on the right.
It would be satisfying with only the song and dance, but this "Joseph" adds some especially striking special effects that are surprising and delightful.
The talent ranges from solid to stellar. John Koski's sly rendition of "Canaan Days" is dead-on. Andy Morris in the lead role brings a good voice and nice wit.
As the Narrator, the appealing Rebecca Thompson holds her own with a gorgeous voice. Rob Hanford handles multiple roles with his usual dexterity, but his Pharaoh is a pelvis-gyrating, pompadoured showman who could give lessons to Vegas headliners.
It's been a strong summer for musicals in the area. "Wicked" blew the roof off the Orpheum. "Curtains" was a wow at Theatre Memphis. A stellar version of "Rent" is at Playhouse on the Square until Sunday. And now "Joseph" is bringing audiences to their feet at the Harrell.
Let's give a standing O to Memphis theater.
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"
Performances at 8 p.m. today and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Harrell Theatre, 440 W. Powell Road, Collierville. Tickets: $15, $12 for students and seniors. Call 853-3228; harrelltheatre.org.
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