TAPROOT THEATRE "Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" July 8 - August 29, 2026 Review
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Lyrics: Tim Rice
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed by Bretteney Beverly
Taproot Theatre Company
Seattle, WA
July 8 - extended through August 29th, 2026
When I first read the announcement for the 50th Aniversary Season for Taproot Theatre, this particular musical stood out to me on the list. I was curious to see how they would produce a well known musical with a large cast and crew in their space. My questions were answered at a recent performance.
Just as a bit of background, this is one musical I had heard of over the years but it’s one I have never seen on any stage, which also includes any film version(s). I did do a little homework before attending the show but that pales in comparison to some of those patrons in attendance that clearly loved every aspect of the musical. Being an Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice show, it has built in name recognition and, again, a strong legion of followers. So, I entered the Jewell Theatre with curious anticipation.
It was announced that they would be using a summer camp theme for this production. For me, that didn’t help or hurt as I had nothing to compare it to. This same sentiment would come up during different parts of the show.
What first struck me was how many songs were in the show. It was basically all songs with very little dialogue. The lyrics of the songs told the story along with the actors of course. Nine adult cast members at any given time on the stage. Additionally, there was also a five member youth ensemble. The production was rounded out by a live four piece band. In short, that’s alot of talent on one stage.
Every character had at least one moment to shine vocally if not multiple times. Add in the character changes along with the wardrobe, and many scenes received laughter as soon as they started (that was lost on me since I didn’t have anything to compare it to). The cast voices were spectacular. Such a wide and varied approach to the material and all of them worked.
For a newbie like myself, the story was out of my wheelhouse which honestly wasn’t an issue (but that’s where the homework came in prior as well). For those that are familiar with the story and its religious background, it’ll be easy to follow.
The overall vibe of the show was one of let’s have fun with this. The tone, the summer camp theme, just everything about it made me think director Bretteney Beverly may have said to her team to just have fun with it. Whether my take is right or wrong, for this reviewer, it worked very well.
I noticed patrons mouthing the lyrics around the theatre, much laughter throughout the show, and big applause after certain numbers and at the conclusion of the show. If you’re like me and curious about the show, definitely go. It was a great time and the talent involved was peak Taproot Theatre. If you’re a diehard of the musical, hopefully this iteration of it will scratch every itch you have going into a performance.
The show was recently extended before it ever officially opened. That should tell you what the demand and popularity is for this show. So, don’t wait on tickets as they’re selling quickly.
Recommended!
”Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is now playing through August 29th.
Lyrics: Tim Rice
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed by Bretteney Beverly
Taproot Theatre Company
Seattle, WA
July 8 - extended through August 29th, 2026
(CJ Lorentz as Joseph in Taproot's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (July 2026). Photo by Giao Nguyen.)
When I first read the announcement for the 50th Aniversary Season for Taproot Theatre, this particular musical stood out to me on the list. I was curious to see how they would produce a well known musical with a large cast and crew in their space. My questions were answered at a recent performance.
Just as a bit of background, this is one musical I had heard of over the years but it’s one I have never seen on any stage, which also includes any film version(s). I did do a little homework before attending the show but that pales in comparison to some of those patrons in attendance that clearly loved every aspect of the musical. Being an Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice show, it has built in name recognition and, again, a strong legion of followers. So, I entered the Jewell Theatre with curious anticipation.
It was announced that they would be using a summer camp theme for this production. For me, that didn’t help or hurt as I had nothing to compare it to. This same sentiment would come up during different parts of the show.
What first struck me was how many songs were in the show. It was basically all songs with very little dialogue. The lyrics of the songs told the story along with the actors of course. Nine adult cast members at any given time on the stage. Additionally, there was also a five member youth ensemble. The production was rounded out by a live four piece band. In short, that’s alot of talent on one stage.
Taproot's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (July 2026). Photo by Giao Nguyen.
Every character had at least one moment to shine vocally if not multiple times. Add in the character changes along with the wardrobe, and many scenes received laughter as soon as they started (that was lost on me since I didn’t have anything to compare it to). The cast voices were spectacular. Such a wide and varied approach to the material and all of them worked.
For a newbie like myself, the story was out of my wheelhouse which honestly wasn’t an issue (but that’s where the homework came in prior as well). For those that are familiar with the story and its religious background, it’ll be easy to follow.
The overall vibe of the show was one of let’s have fun with this. The tone, the summer camp theme, just everything about it made me think director Bretteney Beverly may have said to her team to just have fun with it. Whether my take is right or wrong, for this reviewer, it worked very well.
I noticed patrons mouthing the lyrics around the theatre, much laughter throughout the show, and big applause after certain numbers and at the conclusion of the show. If you’re like me and curious about the show, definitely go. It was a great time and the talent involved was peak Taproot Theatre. If you’re a diehard of the musical, hopefully this iteration of it will scratch every itch you have going into a performance.
The show was recently extended before it ever officially opened. That should tell you what the demand and popularity is for this show. So, don’t wait on tickets as they’re selling quickly.
Recommended!
”Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is now playing through August 29th.
Tickets are available: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
Danny Kam as Reuben in Taproot's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (July 2026). Photo by Giao Nguyen.
The Youth Ensemble and CJ Lorentz as Joseph in Taproot's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (July 2026). Photo by Giao Nguyen.
CJ Lorentz as Joseph in Taproot's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (July 2026). Photo by Giao Nguyen.
Comments
Post a Comment