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Toby’s Dinner Theater Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

By • Sep 24th, 2012 • Category: Reviews
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Toby’s Dinner Theater
Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Baltimore, MD
Through November 18th
1:40 with intermission
$52-57/$48 Children
Reviewed September 23rd, 2012

Most of the time when the names of Andrew Lloyd Webber or Tim Rice are mentioned, the topic of conversation goes to shows like Cats, Evita, Phantom of the Opera, Chess, and Aida. But after attending last night’s production of Toby’s Dinner Theatre latest gem Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which by the way came way before the four mentioned shows, it was a quite clear reminder that it was Webber and Rice at the top of their game. For those who are not familiar with the show it is one of the first rock opera style musicals. Directly based on the bible story of Jacob and his twelve sons, the betrayal and the attempted murder of Joseph by his brothers, Joseph’s enslavement to Potiphar, his imprisonment, the ability to interpret dreams, his placement as Pharaoh’s “Chief of Staff” and finally Joseph’s forgiveness to his brothers. With absolutely no dialogue the show flows with a perfect score, influenced by a cornucopia of musical styles, ranging from a country melody, a 70s disco number, to a light-hearted calypso production. The show/production is also conceptually unique and creatively vaudevillian with an integration of biblical/modern sets and costumes, direct from the Bible quotes mixed in with pop culture reference and fun, energetic, appropriately over the top and at times touching performances by this professional, energetic and dedicated 23 member cast.

Coby Kay Callahan (Narrator) and Ben Lurye (Joseph) interpret Webber and Rice’s work with complete understanding, realism and a whole lot of fun. Callahan does exceptionally well as the story teller and the conscience of the characters and their journey. Equipped with a beautiful, trained, multi-range voice, she progresses with ease from comical, light-hearted to serious and back. Lurye makes the role his own, though at first his untraditional take on the role was questionable but as his journey as an actor and the character progressed everything absolutely fell into place. It was quite refreshing and commendable to see something that has been done so many times become refreshing and unique. With a crisp and pitch perfect voice Lurye’s rendition of “Close every door” and “Any dream will do” wrapped the entire production with a giant red bow. The rest of the cast also takes every opportunity to shine, with standout moments by Chris Rudy (Levi), Heather Marie Beck (Mrs. Potiphar), and David Bosley-Reynolds (Potiphar).

Co-directors Shawn Kettering and Tina Marie DeSimone, who also served as choreographer, and musical director Douglass Lawler once again put a professional and unique spin on an all-time classic. Last evening’s performance reminded me that if you strip down all the talent, all the flash, and all the smoke and mirrors, you’re left with a great and honest story, a positive and moral lesson, and high quality entertainment which I believe is the purpose of all great art.

The Cast

  • Narrator: Coby Kay Callahan
  • Jacob: Andrew Horn
  • Sons of Jacob
  • Reuben: Alan Hoffman
  • Simeon: Will Emory
  • Levi: Chris Rudy
  • Nepthali: Lester Horton
  • Isaachar: Matthew Greenfield
  • Asher: Ian Brown-Gorrell
  • Dan: Daniel McQuay
  • Zebulon: Jay Garrick
  • Gad: A.J. Whittenberger
  • Benjamin: Matt Wetzell
  • Judah: Scean A. Flowers
  • Joseph: Ben Lurye
  • Ishmaelites: Heather Marie Beck, Maura Hogan
  • Camel: Arielle Gordon, Vicky Mahoney
  • Goat: Amanda Kaplan
  • Angel: Julia Lancione
  • Potiphar: David Bosley-Reynolds
  • Mrs. Potiphar: Heather Marie Beck
  • Butler: Ian Brown-Gorrell
  • Baker: Matthew Greenfield
  • Pharaoh: Will Emory
  • Woman’s Ensemble: Heather Marie Beck, Arielle Gordon, Vicky Mahoney, Maura Hogan, Amanda Kaplan, Julia Lancione
  • Understudies
    • Narrator (Tina Marie DeSimone)
    • Joseph (Chris Rudy)
    • Reuben (Ian Brown-Gorell)
    • Levi (AJ Whittenebeger)
    • Pharaoh (Matthew Greenfield)
    • Angel (Maura Hogan)
    • Mrs. Potiphar (Tina Maire DeSimone)
    • Ben & Naphali (Scean Flowers)
  • Swings: Tina Marie DeSimone & Joel DeCandio

Production Staff

  • Directors: Shawn Kettering & Tina Marie DeSimone
  • Musical Director: Douglas Lawler
  • Choreographer: : Tina Marie DeSimone
  • Scenic Designer: David A. Hopkins
  • Lighting Designer: Lynn Joslin
  • Costume Designer: Janine Sunday
  • Sound Designer: Corey Brown
  • Production Manager: Vickie Johnson
  • Production Stage Manager: Heather Williams
  • Master Carpenter: David A. Hopkins
  • Set Construction: David A. Hopkins, Corey Brown, Russell Sunday, Sarah Splaine
  • Properties: Amy Kaplan
  • Stage Manager: Heather Williams
  • Assistant Stage Manager: Ian Wallace
  • Light Board Operator: Heateher Williams, Jeanie McAlpine
  • Sound Operator: Corey Brown
  • Crew: Ian Wallace, Michael Wilson

Orchestra

  • Piano/Conductor: Douglas Lawler, Greg Knauf, Or Pamela Wilt
  • Keyboard: Barry Hamilton, Ed Mayers, or Ann Prizzi
  • Drums: Dane Krich, Tarek Mohamed, Or Tom Harold
  • Trumpet (Sax): : Tony Neenan, Frank Gorecki, or Brian Butler
  • Guitar: Soren Mattson, Kim Spath, or Jason Wise
  • Bass: Michael Kellam, Steve Synk, Or Jason Wilson

Disclaimer: Toby’s Dinner Theater provided two complimentary media tickets to ShowBizRadio for this review.

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worked for twenty years as a professional actor and director, as well as worked a myriad of other theatrical production roles at various levels. In recent years, he served as Artistic Director/President of STROyKA Theatre in Washington, DC. Roman privately teaches acting, voice, and piano and serves as a consultant to various groups and schools. His primary role is stay-at-home dad and full-time college student. He also directs the Voices Unlimited Youth Choir at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Bel Air, MD.