This week Whitehaven and District Amateur Operatic Society are presenting Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice at Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven.
Under the direction of James Last this entertaining and joyful production tells the tale of Joseph, played by Jack Riley, the favourite son of Jacob, played by Ripley Steele, and his eventual rise over jealousy, scheming and slavery to be Pharaoh’s’ number two.
Considering the limited stage size wonders are achieved. In her first show with the society popular vocalist Keri Farish helps the audience follow the story as Narrator.
This is a musically dependent show, the songs are many and varied and congratulations go to the musical director Mike Ames who really had his work cut out for this production.
The strong cast of 25 work diligently to achieve the many costume and character changes, and credit also goes to choreographer Tracy McOuat, who also plays Mrs Potiphar, for achieving such a high standard of dance from the company.
Special mention to the scheming brothers who work as a great team in their various guises from cowboys to the people of France complete with berets.
This must have been an expensive production to stage, the costumes are spectacular, especially in the second half when Pharaoh – or is it Elvis? – played by Jason Fleming, takes the stage.
Congratulations to Simpie, stage manager, and his crew for the slick and effective scene changes and Scott Ashton for the lighting effects.
It is great to see puppetry making a return to the stage, there are some great characters integrated with the story, and I loved the sheep tango!
This is a great production and seats are selling fast, the Saturday matinee is already sold out. It runs from today, Wednesday November 6 to Saturday November 9.
Tickets available from https://www.rosehilltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/wadaos-joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat
