Joseph and his ‘Dreamcoat’ in New Canaan

Written by Joanne Greco Rochman
Thursday, 26 July 2012 11:20

Corinne C. Broadbent as the Narrator and Christopher DeRosa as Joseph in the Summer Theatre of New Canaan production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.Biblical stories have a lot of drama in them, and Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice found the perfect story to turn into a mega-hit musical in Genesis of the Old Testament. The dynamically talented composer and lyricist turned the story of Jacob and his twelve sons into a sung-through family-friendly show that has been seen and loved by millions. 

Known  world-wide as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, this 1968 musical is still going strong as it focuses on Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son. A good man, Joseph rose to power as the right-hand man of the Pharaoh of Egypt in large part because of his gift for interpreting dreams. 

The Summer Theatre of New Canaan has embraced the true spirit of the show by incorporating a children’s choir made up of truly heavenly voices. Originally, “Dream Coat” was a 15-minute production at a private school and sung by the school choir. It evolved from a 15-minute school hit to a two-act London sensation before moving to Broadway. So don’t think that this New Canaan production is a summer camp or school type show. Oh, no. Equity professional actors accent a cast of many talents and are accompanied by a first-rate live orchestra. 

This unique theater located on the rolling lawns of Waveny Park is easily accessible and offers an enjoyable open air theater  experience.

Directed with insight and a flair for fun by Melody Meitrott Libonati and choreographed with eye-popping precision by Doug Shankman, this production under its own big top tent is a show that families and friends flock to.

Christopher DeRosa steps into the title role with a strong voice and plenty of confidence. Corrine C. Broadbent sparkles as the narrator and Brian Silliman as Jacob delivers a commanding performance. If not for such a strong cast, Kenneth Linsley as Simeon could have stolen the show. His interpretation of the French crooner singing “Those Canaan Days” brought the house down last Saturday night. His voice and accent are as smooth as his performance. 

However, when Johann Michael George starts moving to the Calypso beat, and William Hammons starts gyrating to “Song of the King,” then it becomes apparent that no one person outshines this colorfully memorable cast. It is a true ensemble. All of the brothers carry their parts well as do the Teen Wives and Daughters. 

Overall, this is a fine production. Stephen Purdy as musical director does an outstanding job and Charles Pavarini III has created a functionally effective set. Arthur Oliver’s costumes are as colorful as the story’s characters, including dazzling Egyptian garb complete with peacock feathers.  Devon Allen’s lighting design and Brett Jarvis’ sound design appropriately punctuate the production.

This production runs through Aug. 5. Box office: 203-966-4634.

Joanne Greco Rochman is an active member in The American Theatre Critics Association, and covers art and culture for CBS and CBS-CT.  She welcomes comments. Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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