Corn Exchange Cambridge
6th September 2005
Dream performance lights up the stage
By Kate Loveys
Great Show -Joseph's Craig Adams
TIM Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's first collaboration has undergone many changes since it morphed from an amateur production in 1968 to the dazzling spectacle it is today.
But it is hard to believe the ideal family musical has ever sounded or looked as good as it did last night, under Bill Kenwright's direction. Great show: Joseph's Craig Adams
The must-see musical opened to a packed house at the Corn Exchange. And the talented new stars of the show deserved every second of their heartfelt standing ovation. Old and young alike jumped to their feet to dance to the final number. The atmosphere was electric. The likeable score, crammed with old favourites, is a heady blend of gospel, jazz, calypso, rock'n'roll, country and French chanson. If you think you have heard it all, think again. Craig Adams, as Joseph, was full of charm and appeal. He handled his vocals with aplomb and raised the roof with the powerful ballad Close Every Door. Jason Donovan, eat your heart out. Narrator Abigail Jaye delighted the kids as she moved through the action, surrounded by Jacob's leaping sons who keep the show alive with their unbelievable energy and strong performance of the musical numbers.
The show is fresh and packed with humour, from talking camels to a hipgyrating Elvis Pharoah, played by Marlon Moore - a definite highlight of the evening. Cambridge Stagecoach Choir formed the 40-piece Joseph Choir. they were superb especially when providing the distinctive vocal backing to Any Dream Will Do. This vibrant show was a feast for the eyes with a wonderful array of colour and costumes, from gingham clad dancers, to golden loin cloths and onion wearing French men. During the finale, the stage was awash with technicolour as Joseph's coat took on many forms. Grab a ticket before the show's short-lived reign in Cambridge is over. The kids will love it.
Cambridge Newspapers Ltd ©2005
