CENTERVILLE—Anyone who has read the Bible is familiar with the story of Joseph, one of the 12 sons of Jacob who is sold into slavery by his brothers. The retelling takes an upbeat musical turn in CenterPoint Legacy Theatre’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. 

In the opening scene, a class of school children are visiting a museum. Their guide tells them of Joseph, a character from the book of Genesis who was the favored son of Jacob. To show his love, Jacob bestows a beautiful coat of many colors to Joseph. That stirs up envy among his 11 brothers who then create a plot to get rid of him.

 They decide to take Joseph out in the country to kill him, but instead they sell him as a slave to passing Egyptians. The brothers then smear lamb’s blood on the coat, taking back only a small swatch and tell their father Joseph was killed by animals. 

It’s a familiar story but told in a very unconventional way. The museum guide acts as the narrator, singing throughout as she tells the tale of Joseph. The children watch as the exhibits come alive from Joseph receiving the coat and being sold into slavery to his rise in power for the Pharaoh of Egypt.

  The show is a bit of an irreverent take on a well-known story with a modern twist. Clever musical numbers and larger than life characters make “Joseph” just plain fun entertainment. Numbers like “Go, Go Joseph,” “Poor, Poor Pharaoh” and “Any Dream Will Do,” take the audience on a musical journey through Biblical times but with a little kick.

Pharaoh (Jordan LeBaron M/W/F) is hilarious as he sings “Song of the Kings” in Elvis style, complete with sunglasses, running around the stage as Egyptian maidens swoon and faint. 

The brothers sing a heartfelt rendition of “Those Canaan Days,” in Frenchmen style reminiscing on the way things were before they sold Joseph.

McKenna Kay Jensen keeps things rolling as she sings the narration throughout. Matt Taylor (M/W/F) plays a wide-eyed Joseph who turns from a boy into a man as Pharaoh’s second in command. When his brothers come to Egypt begging for food, Joseph reveals who he is and reunites with his family.

From start to finish, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is filled with comedy, good music and unconventional storytelling at its best.

“Joseph” plays now through Sept. 3 Monday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 2:30 p.m. An extra matinee has been added for Saturday Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. Tickets are $18.75-$34.50. For more information visit CPTUtah.org or call 801-298-1302. CenterPoint Legacy Theatre is located at 525 N. 400 West in Centerville. 

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