by Terrance Mc Arthur

Before there was The Phantom of the Opera, before there was Cats, before there was Evita, before there was Jesus Christ Superstar, two young English men (Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice) created a 15-minute “Pop Cantata,” based on an Old Testament story, for a boys’ school to perform in 1968. It caught on, was expanded several times, went to London’s West End and New York City’s Broadway, and was performed by schools, professional tours, and community groups. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is now onstage at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District Auditorium through October 19.

Rice and Lloyd Webber reimagined Joseph and his brothers with a mix of musical styles, from Country-Western (“One More Angel in Heaven/Hoedown”) to Elvis Presley rock-and-roll (“Song of the King”). A Narrator (Melinda Salcido) introduces the audience to Jacob (Michael Buckman) and his family of twelve sons (The play leaves out Jacob’s one daughter, Dinah). In an act of blatant favoritism, Jacob gives a coat of many colors to Joseph (Diego Sosa), Son #11. Annoyed by this preferential treatment and Joseph’s dreams about being better than them, the brothers attack Joseph and sell him to slave traders. In Egypt, his work ethic impresses his master, Potiphar (Bryan Carlson). He impresses Potiphar’s wife (Yzabella Huerta Moultrie) in other ways, but he rebuffs her attempts at seduction. Caught in a compromising position, Joseph is unjustly thrown into jail. His abilities to interpret dreams comes to the notice of the Pharaoh (Dan Aldape), who has been having strange dreams. Joseph’s explanation makes sense, and he is put in charge of land reform and rationing, saving the nation from starvation. His hungry brothers come to beg for food. After some petty revenge on Joseph’s part, the family is reunited.

Cast of CenterStage Clovis’ production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

Sosa is lean, spry, and engaging as the dream-deciphering Joseph. He sings with passion, has a winning smile, and cuts a dashing figure when garbed in Egyptian finery. The role is demanding, and he deserves a few days of vocal rest after the first Saturday performances.

It isn’t every day when a local production has a three-time Grammy winner onstage. Salcido has a Latin Grammy and two Grammys earned for mariachi recordings. Her bell-like voice rings out the Narrator’s songs with authority, gathering the children’s choir around her as a kindly teacher with her students.

Cast of CenterStage Clovis’ production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

Dan Aldape was a busy part of this production, designing lighting, sound, and projections. He has panels sliding across the stage with birds flying in real time above the Sphinx. I don’t know how he does it, but it’s magical! On top of that, he takes the stage as the dream-plagued Pharaoh in an Elvis-style jumpsuit, with curled lip and shaking hips.

Cast of CenterStage Clovis’ production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

Carlson is pompous as Potiphar, and he also plays Issachar, one of the brothers. Yzabella Huerta Moultrie is seriously sexy as the come-hithering Mrs. Potiphar, magnetic and athletic. She is also featured in an Apache-dancer turn with Christopher Hoffman (who plays Simeon) in the French-themed “Those Caanan Days.” Michael Lollis as Rueben makes the most of “One Less Angel” and entertains as Joseph’s baker-jailmate. Buckman is fatherly as Jacob, weeping a lot.

Cast of CenterStage Clovis’ production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

Darren Tharp and Kellerie Aldape shared directing duties, building a smoothly-working theatrical experience. Erin Roberts’ choreography is lively, capitalizing on the talents and special abilities of the cast. Judith Dickison‘s vocal coaching pays off with some remarkable choral dynamics; she could probably make a pile of rocks sound like the Tabernacle Choir. David Mangum’s live band doesn’t overwhelm the cast, but it hits all the right notes. Rachel Hibler, costume assistant, accomplishes a major task and makes it look good.

This is an excellent production, fun for the whole family. It might even get you to open the Bible to the book of Genesis—especially Chapter 39.

The Clovis Veterans Memorial District Auditorium is at 808 Fourth St., Clovis, CA. For tickets, contact CenterStage Clovis Community Theatre at centerstageclovis.com

Check out more theatre reviews & other local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. You can also find more theatre coming up on KRL’s Local Theatre event page.

If you love local theatre, be sure to check out Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast, which features mysteries read by local actors. You can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and also on podbean.

Terrance V. Mc Arthur worked for the Fresno County Public Library for three decades. He is retired, but not retiring. A storyteller, puppeteer, writer, actor, magician, basketmaker, and all-around interesting person, his goal is to make life more unusual for everyone he meets.