A musical based on the Book of Genesis that's not stuffy or dry? A production based on a Biblical parable that pulls out all the stops in entertainment, so that the audience is left helplessly floundering about, laughing too hard to hear all the lines? Somehow Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, being staged now at the New Theatre Restaurant in Overland Park, manages to wow audiences while incorporating laugh-out-loud, slapstick humor, brilliant choreography, and just about every conceivable musical genre in history.
Since the New Theatre is also a venue for amazing creations from award-winning culinary chef, Mark Webster, the prelude to your musical evening does not disappoint, either. Starting with a grilled vegetable medley, green beans rolled in sweet cream butter with toasted almonds and mushrooms, roma tomatoes drizzled with a garlic-lemon infused olive oil, and moving on to half smashed potatoes (these are truly yummy--"comfort food" at its best), polenta, pork brisket, pan-seared ocean perch, fried chicken, and grilled tri-tip steak--the buffet set up in the wings of the theatre is a feast for all the senses. Executive Chef Mark Webster often serves a dish "for the adventurous" palate, and this summer's specialty is "Asian-inspired" boneless chicken thigh. The thighs are marinated overnight, then tossed in Hawaiian BBQ sauce and served over a bed of basmati scallion rice. The resulting flavors are heavenly.
It will be hard to restrain yourself not to go back for seconds and thirds, but please save some room for dessert. I highly recommend the Jumbo Chocolate Chocolate Cupcake (yes, it's so chocolate-y that it rates the repetition of the word in its name), a moist, oversized chocolate cupcake covered with warm chocolate sauce, served with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is, above all, a "fun" play. The actors are obviously having such a great time, hamming it up onstage, that the audience can't help but be carried along with the "party spirit." Although a tale of poverty, family jealousy and famines seems to be the last story in the world suitable for a light-hearted, high-energy musical romp, the actors onstage at New Theatre pull off the merriment successfully.
Nick Cosgrove is an energetic, charismatic Joseph, and he shines in every scene. The ensemble cast, playing Joseph's resentful brothers, don't hit a false note. The dancing and singing (lyrics by Tim Rice) carry the story effortlessly, to the point of totally creating the illusion of a real-life tale unfolding in modern times, as authentic to the audience as anything they might see on a Reality TV show.
Special mention must be made of Todd DuBail's channeling of a Vegas-showroom-style Elvis while playing the Pharaoh. DuBail puts his whole heart and soul--as well as some faux-sexy gyrations--into the role, and he literally brings down the house, with audience members rising to their feet and executing little dances themselves at the end of the show.
The melodies are memorable, and I found myself singing the chorus lines (sung by a very talented Children's Chorus) for days afterwards. The Children's Chorus' presence is a lovely touch to the production, with the narrator (Natalie Weaver) successfully furthering the conceit of a "show within a show" as she relates the story of Joseph to the children.
Kudos to Director Richard Carrothers for pulling off another terrific summer musical. at the New Theatre Restaurant. You just can't find a better Kansas City getaway than this.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs through August 28 at the New Theatre Restaurant. Call 913-649-7469 or go to www.newtheatre.com.
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