Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
at Boca Raton High School

Reviewed on February 27, 2016

Maya Quinones
Deerfield Beach High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

If you have an hour or two, Boca Raton Community High School's magnificent production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is well worth your time. Step back many centuries ago into a world where dreams come true.

From the man who has paved the Great White Way with countless Tony award winning musicals including "Phantom of the Opera' and "Jesus Christ Superstar", Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" has delighted audiences of all ages for decades. The performance tells the beloved biblical story of Joseph, the favorite of his father Jacob's twelve sons. When Jacob gives Joseph an extravagant coat of every shade, hue, tint, and color, Joseph's brothers plot to get rid of him in a fit of jealousy. After his brothers sell him into Egyptian slavery, Joseph must rely on his unique ability to interpret dreams to survive. Leveraging every musical style from country-western to jazz, including a straight up Elvis impersonation, the production is a delightful mixture of musical styles from past to present.

Trevor Wayne completely embodied the role of Joseph, his vocal talent and devotion to his character anchoring the production. Imprisoned by his master Potiphar, Joseph contemplates his existence in his powerful solo "Close Every Door," expertly carried out by Wayne. Never missing a beat, Wayne brought authenticity, humor, and wonderment to his role. The talented voices of Channing Ramsey, Haley Adams, Kaitlyn Gatti, and Valeria Castano narrated the production. All four were strong vocalists, describing Joseph's journey from start to finish, providing a solid foundation of storytelling for the entire performance.

Joseph's eleven brothers appeared in a cohesive ensemble multiple times throughout the production. Their strong voices, animated expressions, and abundant energy brought constant laughter and delight to the audience. Simeon, played by Alejandro Estevez, provided an impressive French dialect in the hilarious number "Those Canaan Days." Alec Taylor and Benjamin Tharrington donned cowboy hats and southern twangs for "One More Angel," a country-western number combined with a professionally executed tap routine. The entire cast of this production never lost focus or energy, dancing in near perfect unison in countless elaborate routines. While sometimes difficult to understand, the talented voices of the ensemble came together in a powerful harmony.

Upon entering the auditorium, the audience is presented with the production's first technical feat. An enormous book stands open center stage, pages of Genesis and quotes from the likes of Walt Disney to Shakespeare projected onto its pages. In one swift motion, the book glides off stage to reveal Joseph for the first time. Perfectly aligned projections aided in portraying different locations, from Joseph's sandy home in Canaan to his dismal jail cell in Potiphar's palace. The lighting assumed every color of Joseph's coat, shrouding the stage with bright hues. Microphones were consistent and costumes were well fitted and appropriate for the time period.

Boca Raton Community High School's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat provides a enjoyable theatrical experience with a powerful message; Any Dream Will Do.

Erica Merlino
The Sagemont School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

To come out of Boca Raton Community High School's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" without humming the music (or wishing you could tap dance) is impossible. A production exploding with color, outstanding ensemble numbers, and remarkable characterization and vocal ability, this through-sung musical is guaranteed to dazzle you.


"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, is based on the biblical story of the "coat of many colors." Beginning in 1969 as a concept album, it was first performed in the late 1970's at the Queen's Theatre of London. With such a beautiful storyline, the exploration of universal themes, and the fun, catchy musical numbers, it's no surprise that over 20,000 amateur theatre groups and schools have successfully put on productions since then. However, Boca Raton Community High School's version was so creative and impressive, it left a memorable impression on all audiences alike.


One might not able to carry a titular character with such ease. However, Trevor Wayne stepped up to the plate brilliantly and carried the production with a riveting performance as Joseph. Acting as the spine of the show, Wayne kept consistent level of energy and motivation that carried through audience through the severe character arc Joseph undergoes. His strong stage presence consistently commanded everyone's attention, even if he was not speaking or being spoken to; and his beautiful vocal ability served as a "cherry on top" of his already magnificent performance.


The narrators of the production each gave a stunning performance and served as the glue that held all the production's many elements together. Typically performed by one actress, this production split up the role into four extremely talented young women. Hayley Adams, Katlyn Gatti, Valeria Castano, and Channing Ramsey each portrayed impressive vocal ranges while maintaining a consistent story-telling persona a narrator must upkeep.


The entire cast must be applauded for incredibly preserving extremely high energy for the entirety of the show and the complete ability to stay in the moment at all times. The entire ensemble was all so talented – the ensemble performances, all with beautiful harmonies and intricate choreography were a few of the many highlights of the production. A group that stood out deservingly and with much avail, was Joseph's brothers. Each character understood their comedic moments – without overstepping – as they were able to display in their song, "These Canaan Days."


The dynamic stage design was interesting and kept the audience enthralled at all times. The use of projection was a creative choice, and a very intelligent choice at that. It gave the set up another layer of awe and was a spectacular feature. Also, the costumes were a stunning factor – the use of color was extremely skillful and meticulously thought out. The only way the production could've been enhanced would derive from a combination of the actors' improvement of diction and an improvement of the mics used, as some songs were affected by not being able to understand individual lyrics.


A colorful production (yes, pun certainly intended), "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" was a superb testament to the biblical story. Each character should be proud of their astounding performances, and they each deserve a technicolor dreamcoat of their own.

Nick Lopez
Cypress Bay High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

Country hoedowns, island calypsos and Elvis – no, this is not the set-list for a Las Vegas variety show, but rather a glimpse of Boca Raton Community High School's rendition of the Old Testament in their latest musical production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. At the hands of a vibrantly talented cast, this charming spectacle truly transcended ancient scriptures and lit up the theatre as Boca Raton tapped and belted their way through a timeless tale with riveting energy and finesse.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's earliest works, with the original West End production premiering in 1973 before opening on Broadway in 1982. This completely sung-through musical tells the Biblical story of Joseph, who has the ability to interpret dreams. After his brothers fail to kill him in a fit of jealousy, Joseph ends up as a servant to the Pharaoh and his powers are put to the test to determine the fate of all of Egypt.

The success of this production rested on the fantastic dedication displayed by the entire cast and ensemble – the vivacity and colorfulness of the show's visuals seemed like mere extensions of the performers' own enthusiasm. A strong, unanimous commitment to the show's campiness highlighted both the comedy and playfulness in the music; this immersion helped off-set enunciation issues by some actors, which sometimes interfered with the clarity of the plot. The ensemble sounded and moved beautifully, with dynamic and difficult dance sequences executed with precision, cleanliness and vigor.

Trevor Wayne drove the production with a passionate performance as Joseph. Wayne exuded charisma and likability, creating resonating depth in the titular character while simultaneously showing powerful vocal command of demanding songs such as "Close Every Door." Hayley Adams, Katlyn Gatti, Valeria Castano, and Channing Ramsey commendably navigated their way through similarly difficult solos as the four narrators of the story, while the group of eleven brothers delivered consistently entertaining numbers that offered both irresistible comedy and vocal splendor. In particular, Alec Taylor boasted hilarious characterization as Reuben in the country ballad "One More Angel in Heaven".

Boca Raton's stage crew executed complex maneuverings of elaborate set pieces with fluency and efficiency; this, along with a captivating system of projections and a festive costume design truly allowed the whimsicality of the music to manifest visually on stage. Although it was sometimes difficult to hear the ensemble in several group numbers, Boca's excellent orchestra did well to keep a continuous balance with the on-stage vocals.

It was red, and yellow, and green, and brown – and many, many other colors, but mostly, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT was an unforgettable display of a cast's energy and commitment. This feast for both the eyes and the ears had the audience at times cackling, at times humming infectious melodies – and at all times marveling at the talent of Boca's animated performers as they told a story of family, resilience, and redemption with an enthusiasm of biblical proportions.

Aysha Zackria
NSU University School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

When all hope seems to be lost, pick a goal, dream, or wish and use all of your strength to make it come true. Boca Raton High School's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" tells the story of how this simple action can have the most awe-inspired impact.

Joseph, favored and given a beautiful coat by his father and wronged by his eleven brothers as a result, endures many hardships, but his ability to interpret dreams causes the pharaoh to notice him. When his brothers come to him asking for food, they do not recognize him and Joseph is forced to decide whether to forgive them or seek revenge. With music by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this production based on the Biblical story of Joseph was originally written as a 15-minute cantata for the Colet Court School in London in 1968. After its premiere, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat underwent a large series of changes before opening on Broadway in 1982. Since then, it has been nominated for 6 Tony Awards, 3 Drama Desk Awards, and 7 Laurence Olivier Awards, one of which it won.

Trevor Wayne, playing Joseph, had a magnificent presence that made him the focus of attention in every number. His physicality and conviction conveyed both power and humbleness. Wayne's strong voice and impressive vibrato enhanced the grandeur that the music was written to have, especially in "Close Every Door" and "Any Dream Will Do". His crisp diction ensured that every word he sang was easily understood.

Alec Taylor, as Reuben, portrayed a backstabbing, yet lovable, brother with exaggerated facial expressions and a comical country accent in "One More Angel in Heaven", in which Joseph's brothers are pretending to grieve him, but when their parents leave, begin celebrating. During that celebration is a tap routine, which Taylor executed flawlessly. Valeria Castano, one of four actresses splitting the role of Narrator, drove the story forwards with elegance and grace, while still providing the large voice required for the role. Robert Mendonca, as Pharaoh, had a hilarious physicality that perfectly fit his Elvis-like character, especially in "Song of The King" when he describes his revealing dream. Joseph's brothers all had consistent mannerisms that conveyed their manliness in "Those Canaan Days".

The costumes in this show not only unified groups of people and completed the Middle Eastern aesthetic of the show, but also provided a fantastical color scheme. Joseph's brothers and their wives donned outfits with matching colors, which made character identification straightforward. Lighting contributed heavily to the atmosphere of each scene. Examples of this would be the single off-white spotlight on Joseph during "Close Every Door" or the colorful flashing lights behind the cyclorama during "Joseph Megamix". Projections done on a large book in the beginning and on the sphinx in the end were placed and timed very well.


This wonderfully zany production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" teaches the lesson that everyone needs something to believe in and "any dream will do".

Amanda McCabe
North Broward Preparatory School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

Boca Raton Community High School's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" was energetic, inspiring, and exciting. The musical was written by Tim Rice and composed by Andrew Lloyd- Webber.

The musical is a rock opera and is entirely sung through without spoken lines. The show begins with the narrator introducing Jacob and his twelve sons. All of the brothers seek their father's attention but are jealous because Joseph, Jacob's favorite son, receives all of it. Joseph also tells the brothers that one day, they will bow to him. They are so enraged by the idea that, when Joseph receives the dreamcoat with its many colors, the brothers hatch a plan to get rid of Joseph and just as they are about to leave him to rot in a well, a slaver comes by and the brothers sell Joseph. Joseph becomes a slave for Potiphar and is quickly promoted because of his work ethic. When Mrs. Potiphar tries to get into a relationship with Joseph even though Joseph fiercely denies her, Potiphar finds out and Joseph is put in jail. There, he meets a butler and a baker. He interprets their dreams and quickly becomes famous for always being correct in his predictions. When the Pharaoh ultimately finds out, Joseph is brought before him and saves Egypt from a famine. When the eleven brothers, starved and weak, beg Joseph for food, he does not know if he should reveal himself as their brother or remain the Pharaoh's right hand.

Trevor Wayne (Joseph) gave an entrancing performance of both heart and incredible vocals. He truly committed to his part and had incredible stage presence. Alec Taylor (Reuben) added a bright spot to the stage with his incredible energy, dancing and commitment. Valeria Castano (Narrator) had a beautiful, powerful voice that commanded the attention of the stage when she was singing.

Robert Mendonca (Pharaoh) did a very good Elvis-impersonation and he was a very convincing performer. Channing Ramsey (Narrator) had a beautiful voice and her grace on the stage was impressive. Allegra Mannarino (Mrs. Potiphar) was an incredible dancer and actress who truly committed to her movements.

The set was incredible and the tech crew was seamless in their movement of set pieces. The projections and the lighting added to the overall performance. The colors of the costumes were beautiful and showed that the costume designers had a true grasp of the time period and culture of the show. The coordinating between the costumes of the brothers and their wives was also very appealing. The ensemble harmonies were incredible and the cast and crew worked together very well.

Some actors had difficulty with diction during their songs and words were lost to the audience.

Boca Raton Community High School's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" was an incredible performance and an exciting show!

Claudia Moncaliano
The Sagemont School
Submitted for publication to The Forum

Every bible story deserves its time to shine as a Broadway musical - but this tale was taken beyond the Book of Genesis to incorporate the timelessness of Elvis Presley, island vibes, and a country hoedown. Boca Raton High School took this rock-opera, sung-through, family-friendly classic under their award-winning wing and gave their audience a breathtaking rendition of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."

Music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, the musical version of this story began as just a concept album for a boys' school choir until it made it to the West End and Broadway and landed in the talented and skillful hands of Boca Raton High School. From the humor to the costumes, the cast and crew encompassed a colorful and lively spirit that filled the theater.

Trevor Wayne, as Joseph, led the story as Jacob's favorite son with his 11 brothers behind him. While most actors exhibited more presentational characters, Wayne found depth in the initially ditsy-seeming character in "Close Every Door," the emotional climax of Act One. Wayne does an excellent job of carrying the symbolism throughout show from his colorful coat to the meaning of his dream. Allegra Mannarino, as Mrs. Potiphar, used her natural stage presence to captivate both the audience and Joseph, as she and Wayne danced with brilliantly comedic precision in an affair against Potiphar (Matthew Moore), Joseph's master.

The impressive vocal quality of the cast left our ears smiling and our mouths humming to every humbling riff. The Narrators, a role split into four beautiful voices (Hayley Adams, Katlyn Gatti, Valeria Castano, Channing Ramsey), guided the tale, chronicling each moment of Joseph's quirky, yet meaningful journey. While every member of the ensemble was incredibly dynamic, the Brothers ensemble was the most astounding. Through well-executed choreography, seamless harmonies, and perfectly planned comedic moments, the Brothers showed us their individual personalities, curious accents, and commitment to one another.

The technical aspects of this show were just the icing on the cake to complement the energy on the stage. Opening the show with vivid projections and following up with dramatic fog, dreamy spotlights, and smooth transitions, they created gorgeous stage pictures that could have served as the cover photo for "Read the Bible Weekly." The set pieces were useful, eye-appealing, and made for a great backdrop to their exquisite staging and choreography. With just minimal sound and diction issues, the actors were able to dance their way into hilarious numbers and entertain as they told the story.

Similarly to Joseph's Coat, Boca Raton High School's production had every color of the rainbow, and every aspect of the show, elegantly placed to give their audience the most cohesive and well-worked show they had ever seen. With all the peculiarities of the story line, this school's production is one not to be missed, for the vision of the night was a family-friendly, knock-your-socks-off tale, with a moral to remember.