Joseph (Kidderminster Operatic & Dramatic Society Youth Section)

You're setting yourself up for a big challenge by taking on one of the classics of musical theatre in the form of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' and KODS Youth Section give it there own exciting interpretation, enjoyed immensely by an enthusiastic opening night audience.

Opening with a trio of Narrators consisting of powerful vocals from Lauren L'Enfant contrasting with the more lilting tones of Hope Dickenson and Alice Hickey, I was concerned that the split role wouldn't work but, they proved me wrong and interlinked together exceptionally to tell this story that surely everybody has experienced at some point (if they haven't they can't be a musical theatre fan).

Oscar Yeoh grew into the role of Joseph, I detected a few nerves in the opening number but, these were soon eliminated to reveal a commanding portrayal of an iconic character including a winning rendition of 'Close Every Door'.

Joseph of course has eleven brothers (although in this production that has been amended slightly to twelve) and each one brings their own piece of joy and energy to the piece, always hard to pinpoint specific performances but, I found Charlie Dancyger as Reuben and his performance of 'Those Caanan Days' along with the ever smiling Maria Riga as Zebulun performing 'Benjamin Calypso' to be particularly well portrayed. It feels only fair however to give a mention to Toby Denton (Simeon), Myles Richards (Dan), Georgia Hyde (Levi), Jamie Whitehouse (Napthali), Larna Richards (Asher), Paige Dicken (Gad), Summer Pitman (Benjamin), Finley Stanier (Judah), Chris Kemp (Issachar) and Billy Brooks (Isiah) for their contribution to the whole production.

I will dwell only shortly on Julian Richards's performance as Jacob, come on mate if you are between nine and eighteen I will audition next year, however having an adult in this role is a really good choice and you played it well.

If you're going to tell stories, you need characters in those stories including a dominant performance as Potiphar by Josh Hickey, an all too short and even more domineering portrayal of Mrs Potiphar by Shannon Drew, a vibrant appearance as the Baker by Danny Duffy and a particularly appealing with a quiet yet very proficient vocal, outing from Roxie Jordan as the Butler.

Finally what can I say about Harrison Bianco as Pharoah, this lad has personality in bucketloads and it's like a little Elvis on stage (and that comes from somebody who is an official paid-up member of the Elvis Presley Fan Club).

Darren Richards as Director can feel this is a 'job well done' that will entertain young and old, ably assisted by Musical Director, Russell Painter and Choreographers, Elaine Tovey/Wendy Richards, you will have missed something that you will thoroughly regret missing if you don't catch this one. So don't miss it, go, go, go, to the link below and book your tickets now.

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