Tuesday 09 November 2004:
Review: Abigail's star on amazing Day for everyone
by Sally Churchward
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Mayflower, Southampton
LAST night's opening show of Joseph at the Mayflower was flawless.
It is common, even in the best musicals, for there to be a few out-of-time dancers or singers who miss their notes.
However, everyone in this performance was step and note perfect.
What's more, the show itself is a great musical - it has a proper story, a good variety of songs and, importantly, isn't too long.
The last point is particularly relevant given the show's popularity with families - it finishes before too many children get the wriggles.
The musical tells the Biblical story of Joseph, who is sold as a slave by his brothers, thrown in jail then liberated by the Pharaoh, thanks to his ability to interpret dreams.
Darren Day was charismatic in the lead role that shot him to fame.
He played the part for laughs without being too cheesy and seemed to be enjoying himself.
However, the real star was Abigail Jaye, the narrator.
A good two-thirds of the show featured her singing solo. A bad performance on her part would have ruined the production but her great voice was faultless and gelled the show together perfectly.
Joseph features a wide variety of songs, covering everything from a calypso number to a cowboy song.
Everyone will have their own favourite but for my money the Parisian-style Those Canaan Days stood out as the best.
This is a jack-of-all-trades kind of musical but happily it doesn't fall into the trap of being a master of none.
A classic show which will put a smile on the face of everyone who sees it.
© Copyright 2004 Newsquest Media Group - A Gannett Company
