The ultimate in feel-good musical theatre experiences proved yet again, as if it was necessary, that it still retains the power to thrill and engage audiences like few other shows.
It is massively to the credit of the Bill Kenwright organisation that they remain determined to take quality shows on the road and this week it is the turn of Crewe, and the superbly evocative venue of the Lyceum, to enjoy this production on the doorstep.
Lloyd Daniels has been gaining positive reviews as Joseph on this tour but tonight he was indisposed and that opened the door to understudy Matt Brinkler, and how he seized the opportunity. With a faultless voice and perfectly judged stage manner, Brinkler provided ample evidence of the depth of talent that exists in this production of Joseph and left many convinced that it will not be long before he has a main role of his own.
Amelia Lily plays the pivotal role of Narrator and is simply outstanding in her first major production. With a voice of immense power and range, she grabs the audience from the start and delivers a performance of pure star quality.
Prominent throughout is the vastly experienced Henry Metcalfe who not only excels as Jacob and Potipher but is responsible, with the assistance of Helen Otway, for the superb choreography that is a hallmark of the production.
The cameos such as the French scene and Benjamin Calypso are integral to the success of the production and they are delivered faultlessly tonight. However, Matt Lapinskas as the Elvis-Pharaoh is a true joy and the audience tonight can’t get enough as he reprises the role during the production climax.
Special credit is also due to the Joseph Choir, children from the Bitesize Youth Theatre in Wrexham, who have been months in preparation and put in a faultless performance that further enhanced the evening for all.
It’s over forty years now since Joseph first burst onto the scene and it speaks volumes both for the original vision of Rice and Lloyd Webber and an unceasingly excellent line-up of performers that it is as popular today as ever. This was demonstrated yet again by the current fantastic and hugely promising cast and they had the good people of Crewe dancing in the aisles before the end.
Joseph may possess a coat of many colours, but this evening was simply pure gold and yet another standing ovation was testament to that.