Osmond leads talented cast in the best Joseph yet

by Ivan M. Lincoln, Theater Editor

January 15, 1998
Deseret News

      It isn't just Donny Osmond's voice, stage presence, charisma and, yes, his well-built body (the young women around where I was sitting were swooning Wednesday night) that makes him the perfect Joseph.

      The show itself, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, has hints of the old Donny and Marie show. It's a little bit country ("One More Angel in Heaven") and more than a little bit rock 'n' roll . . . with some torchy French apache and snappy calypso on the side.       After seeing this lavishly staged Livent Inc. production, you might think that composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice must have been inspired by watching a Cecil B. DeMille Meets the Jane Fonda Workout Video.

      While Utahns may have seen any of a couple of dozen local productions on previous occasions, Donny Osmond's version is far and away the best of the lot. Audiences are sure to be awestruck by Mark Thompson's spectacular scenery, special effects and glitzy, funky costuming and Anthony Van Laast's choreography. This production seems to transport you to the Las Vegas version of Egypt with a Luxor Hotel-size Sphinx (complete with big, blue, moving eyes) and Vegas showgirl attire.

      But it's Osmond who makes this show what it is, from his emotional, heartfelt "Close Every Door" and "Any Dream Will Do" to his playful interaction with the two combined children's choirs.

      Another talent who will absolutely amaze you is Sarah E. Litzinger as the Narrator — a role that's just as busy as Joseph. She's an energetic, animated pixie with an incredible voice.

      Abe Reybold, who claims his favorite Elvis Presley movie is "Clambake," is a Pharaoh to be reckoned with. If there are rumors about an Elvis sighting in the vicinity of Kingsbury Hall, rest assured it's just Reybold strutting and strumming and asking women in the front row "Are You Lonely Tonight?" while tossing them a sweat-drenched scarf.

      Brian Noonan and Amy Walsh are terrific as Reuben and his wife, featured in the soulful and twangy "One More Angel in Heaven," with Raun Ruffin bouncing all over the place in the jaunty "Benjamin Calypso" and Jonathan Hadley turning up the heat in "Those Canaan Days" (joined by apache dancers Martin Samuel and Amy Walsh).

      James Harms is a busy fellow, too, with three roles — ageless Jacob, insanely jealous Potiphar and a brief stint as a '70s guru. Carole Mackereth is also stunning as Potiphar's sexy and seductive wife, with Martin Murphy as the fortunate Butler (he survives — just as Joseph predicts) and Paul J. Gallagher as the ill-fated Baker.

      Visually, this production is a real treat, from such whimsical touches as the cornstalk ballet, a snake in the well with Joseph, wild hats on the brothers' wives, conveyer belts to move props and actors (including a small herd of Technicolor sheep) on and off stage. There's even one playful local touch that has the Narrator furiously flipping through the pages, wondering where it fits into the story.

      The two local children's choruses featured on opening night — the International Children's Choir/North and the Onstage Productions Children's Choir — were angelic and energetic. (Trading with them on alternating nights will be Singers Unlimited and International Children's Choir/South.)

      Musical director/conductor Jay Alger was in charge of an excellent 16-piece pit orchestra, which included several local musicians recruited (and augmented) by Joe Muscolino.

      TICKET UPDATE AND PARKING — You may have to grovel, like the slaves in Pharaoh's court, but there are still a few tickets left for the Donny Osmond performances. These shows are about 95 percent sold out. There are more seats available for the five added David Osmond performances Jan. 19-22. David did an outstanding job last fall in August Night Productions' local version, and audiences will get the same spare-no-expense staging.

      Parking around Kingsbury Hall is scarce. Plan to arrive early enough to get parked at the Rice Stadium lot, then take the free shuttle buses that run before and after the show.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, a Livent Inc. production starring Donny Osmond; Kingsbury Hall, Presidents Circle, University of Utah; 8 P.M. Mondays-Saturdays through Feb. 28; matinees at 2 P.M. on Thursdays & Saturdays (David Osmond substitutes for Donny in five performances, Jan. 19-22); all seats reserved; tickets: $25-$65 (slightly less for David Osmond's performances). Reservations: 581-7100, 355-2787 (Art Tix) or 1-888-451-2787 or all ArtTix outlets, including the Capitol Theatre and selected Albertsons stores. Running time: two hours, 5 minutes (one intermission).