Go Go Go Joseph!

Musicals inspire me. Cheesy but true. I see all sorts of musicals whether they are Broadway, Regional, National Tour, Community Center, etc. productions. Last night, I had the special opportunity to see the McLean Community Players' production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the McLean Community Center's Alden Theatre. I was blown away by the talent and artfulness displayed by the cast and creative team. I've seen a lot of shows there and I've enjoyed them all, but this was a truly amazing show full of heart. Watching Jacob and sons smoothly dance and harmonize, the narrator adeptly guide the story, and Joseph continually rise above tough times, excited my theatrical senses. I left the show feeling inspired about my chosen career path, and I pray I have the chance to be involved in projects like this in the future.

The voices were the most stunning I've ever heard at a community show. The leads, played by Kate Merryman (Narrator), a student at GMU, and Russell Silber (Joseph), a graduate of JMU's musical theatre program, displayed their strong vocal ability throughout the show. I was especially touched by Silber's rendition of the heartfelt song "Close Every Door."

Nonetheless, the show is really an ensemble production, and several members of the cast were able to shine throughout the evening. I was particularly impressed with Joseph's 11 brothers. Their harmonies and eclectic dance numbers revealed their individual talents and the power they have as a group to simultaneously provide comedic releif and bring joy to the audience. Listening to Andrew Lloyd Webber's music alone, I didn't like the songs "One More Angel in Heaven," "Those Canaan Days," or "Benjamin Calypso" but last night, I loved them. I now understand the country twang, French accent, and Jamaican twist utilized in those songs. I want to als0 thank directors Kevin and Pamela McCormack for their outstanding direction and Mike Scott for producing a satisfying, entertaining show.

To see a show at a community center feature this much talent is a special occurrence. The stars aligned with this particular the cast, crew, and creative team. They all deserve praise for their efforts. This isn't a Broadway production where those invovled are making a living by puttting their time and effort into creating this masterpeice. Those involved are involved because they love and appreciate musical theatre, and the audience could feel their joy and passion for what they are doing throughout the show. This show achieved what I hope to achieve eventually; it introduced new audiences to the arts, in particular musical theatre, and brought joy to others.

~ LBD

Musical Theatre Quote of the Moment: "May I return to the beginning. The light is dimming, and the dream is too. The world and I, we are still waiting, still hesistating. Any dream will do." ~ Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat