"For a show that started out as an amateur school production, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has turned into a phenomenon. One of the first collaborations between composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, the sung-through musical really hit it big when the somewhat small original production was expanded into a huge extravaganza in 1991. That version of the show, complete with its megamix finale, is now the one that continues to be produced, including a fairly impressive touring production that just arrived in Tempe for a one-week run. For the tour, married couple Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo play Joseph and the Narrator. They are both alumni of "American Idol" and have some professional theatrical credits as well. While each has an impressive stage presence, their vocals are on the weak side, which is a bit of a shock considering they are both known for their powerhouse "Idol" performances. With plenty of humor, spirited performances and creative production values, the tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a fun, infectious production. While the story is still as thin as can be, there are some lessons you will take away along with several melodies you'll be humming for days." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
"there's no denying the enduring appeal of Andrew Lloyd Webber's infectiously poppy ear worms. "Joseph" remains one of the best starter musicals in the repertoire, especially for kids raised in Sunday school. The new tour features "American Idol" alums (and newlyweds) Diana DeGarmo as the Narrator and Ace Young as Joseph. Neither quite has the range and belting power — not to mention acting and dancing chops — to become superstars on Broadway, but they acquit themselves nicely nonetheless. Nice but not great is also a fair assessment of the production as a whole, which makes extensive use of bright, cartoony video projections in lieu of complicated scenery. The images are fun, but they don't have the razzle-dazzle you might expect from a Broadway tour (especially considering the ticket prices). The cast is solid all around, but there are no real standout performances, no big "Wow!" moments." -Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic (click here to read the complete review)
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