Theater Review -- Tom Titus

One would imagine that, after viewing five different productions of

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in a span of two years,

there would be precious few surprising elements left in the vintage

Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice musical.

One would be mistaken. The high-voltage version now on stage at Costa

Mesa’s Vanguard University pulls out all the stops in presentation,

choreography and creativity. The latter element is especially well

realized, with a number of inventive touches incorporated by director

Carey Curtis Smith, who also has choreographed the show along with Hayden

Livesay.

Vanguard’s stage may be smaller than any of the previous four local

venues, but Smith fills it to the brim and spills the action out into the

aisles with elements and sight gags unique to this production. The

musical and modern version of the biblical legend has never been in

better hands locally.

Ensemble work is especially impressive, with a comely chorus of coeds

beautifully backing up the enthusiastic brothers, enriching the overall

effect. Three narrators fill the role originally written for one, adding

a fine harmonic quality.

In the central role of the dream-interpreting young man thrust into

slavery by his 11 jealous siblings, Matt Grandpre brings a dynamic

presence, slyly employing grins and glances that work perfectly in the

intimate Lyceum Theater, but would be lost on a larger stage. The only

discordant note is the addition of the chorus to his mournful “Close

Every Door” solo, which dilutes rather than enhances the song’s effect.

As the narrating trio, Erin Sears, Tammy Coffin and Stephanie Wood

work seamlessly together, and their combined voices outdo the taped

musical accompaniment, whereas a single soloist might be (and

occasionally is) overcome by the instrumentation.

The show’s brightest creative element is Joel Agee’s Pharaoh, written

as an Elvis Presley takeoff back in the late 1960s, when the show was

first spawned. Agee, in aging Elvis regalia, is the deadest ringer for

the King we’ve seen on a local stage, even adding the traditional “Thank

you very much” at the close of his number.

The band of brothers functions well as a unit with individual

personalities. Their transitions from country to French cabaret to

Calypso are splendidly accomplished, with soloists Michael Mulligan, Josh

Lay and Steve Limones turning in rich period performances. Little Connor

Berkompas (all of 6 years old) is a scene stealer as the youngest

brother.

Director Smith has an effective turn as Joseph’s first master, while

Mandy Carroll steams up the set as his frisky wife. Mike Bower is an

imposing Jacob, with cute little Karli Berkompas (a third-grader) playing

his wife, a possible comment on biblical marriages.

The ensemble numbers, overseen by musical director Jason Livesay, pour

out of the tiny stage with alacrity. Lia Hansen’s costumes and makeup are

first rate and Tim Mueller’s Canaan and Egypt settings beautifully set

the atmospheric tone.

Even if you’ve seen all four of the recent “Josephs,” it’s a good bet

you’ll appreciate this one, if only for its originality and ensemble

excellence. Not to mention the sheer energy of the company.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews

appear Thursdays and Saturdays.

FYI

* What: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

* Where: Vanguard University’s Lyceum Theater, 55 Fair Drive, Costa

Mesa

* When: Closing performances at 8 p.m. tonight, 2 and 8 p.m. Friday

and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday

* Cost: $15

* Call: (714) 668-6145