Theatre Review -- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

If all bible stories were portrayed in dance and scored by Andrew Lloyd Weber, I think I could possibly get my Ph.D. in biblical studies and The Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat would be my first graduate school course.

Austin Miller, in the lead role as Joseph, and best known for his 2nd place finish as “cute Danny” in the Grease reality TV show, is beefcake with talent. I’m not sure if I’m more impressed with his biceps or his voice. I can see why his brothers tossed him in a pit – they were jealous of his package! And forget Team Edward or Team Jacob – I’m totally a member of Team Austin. Austin’s supporting cast is equally talented, if not quite as ripped.

Jenna Coker-Jones makes a sassy narrator, who transforms herself from a polite school-marm, to cow-girl, to secret agent. Her range is amazing and stage energy infectious. Joseph’s remaining 11 brothers make up a rag-tag, but extraordinarily talented men’s chorus, as they perform musical numbers ranging from country-western to disco. Finally, Pharaoh, played by Todd DuBail, is a dead ringer for a swarthy, Las Vegas Elvis, thank you, thank you very much.

Costume Designer, Rafael Colon Castanera, has created a visual masterpiece with his costumes. Joseph’s “coat of many colors” is truly stunning. And his loin cloth isn’t bad either.



If you are in the Little Rock area, seeing The Rep’s production of Joseph is a must!! So much so, I’m going back to see Austin, I mean the production, again!

Performances: DEC 4 - JAN 3 All Evening Curtains 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Curtains 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. To purchase tickets call The Rep box office at (501)378-0405 or 1-866-6THEREP or visit www.therep.org.