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| Matt Krantz (center), Alanna Kalbfleisch (far left), and cast photo by Nick Woodward- Shaw; Lighting by Jeff A. Davis |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through October 7th.
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, one of the first collaborations between composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, is receiving an energetic, crowd-pleasing production from Hale Centre Theatre...The plot may be fairly predictable and simple, with minimal character development, but the show is a lot of fun with an infectious score that features a wide range of musical styles from pop to country and even calypso. ...Hale's cast is led by Matt Krantz as Joseph and Alanna Kalbfleisch as the Narrator....both deliver performances full of charm and excitement along with stellar vocals. Krantz's soaring performances of his solo songs, especially "Close Every Door," are especially moving, while Kalbfleisch's rich, warm tones are simply ravishing.
...Stephen Serna is the Elvis-loving Pharaoh whom Joseph helps, and he has a blast in the part, while Titus Kautz, Nicholas Hambruch, and Aaron Ford as Joseph's brothers Simeon, Levi and Judah, respectively, make the most of their solo songs. ...There isn't a weak link in the cast. The entire ensemble delivers high energy performances in a non-stop parade of constantly changing colorful costumes, expertly coordinated by Mary Atkinson, while delivering spirited, fun, and constantly varied choreography from Cambrian James. ...Brian Daily's set and Jeff A. Davis' lighting provide an abundance of rich, warm and bright colors. ...Full of infectious melodies and an abundance of charm, Hale's excellent cast, superb choreography, humorous yet heartfelt direction, and stellar creative elements help to overcome most of the shortcomings of this piece, providing a funny, spirited, and exceptionally winning production of the beloved musical.. " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
"...While the show tells the story of Joseph (Matt Krantz) and his colorful coat, the bulk of the lyrics are sung by its narrator, Alanna Kalbfleisch, and she’s terrific to both listen to and watch. Some of those high Lloyd Webber notes are demanding to say the least, but Kalbfleisch hits them right out of the arena while injecting a lot of new, unwritten humor into the proceedings. As a story told in song, the Lloyd Webber/Rice book is really a libretto without direction, one that gives director Cambrian James an opportunity to invent and create new settings, tailor-made for an in-the-round experience. ...Krantz, with his boy-next door, healthy good looks...has... the ballad Close Every Door,...he delivers it with all the passion and clarity the song deserves....Krantz’s powerful vocal stops the show....Stephen Serna’s Pharaoh,,,brings the house down...Supported by the non-stop energy of an outstanding ensemble who appear to be forever changing into one costume after another, Hale’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is an unrestrained, infectious theatrical experience that is over all too quickly. And try not smiling during the concluding, disco-infused, hand-clapping mega-mix. It can’t be done." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)
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