Review: 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' by NewArts

Photos by Kristie Bell Petershack

“We’ve been outside and you’re on the marquee…” - “Go, Go, Go Joseph”

Bethel, CT - NewArts’ truly amazing production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ opened on Friday evening at the welcoming Walnut Hill Community Church in nearby Bethel. NewArts is the theatrical division of the 1214 Foundation founded by Dr. Michael Baroody that works with the resilient children of Newtown. Dr. Baroody welcomed the audience to the tenth show that he has produced with NewArts, the theatrical experience that allows the young people to practice the character strengths that they have learned and will take with them throughout their lives. He then shared a brief video that reiterated the tenants of the program, underscored with “Alone in the Universe” from the very first show produced by NewArts, ‘Seussical.’

Rise Above. Go Beyond.

I don’t use the adjective “amazing” lightly to describe the performance on opening night. As soon as the children’s choir entered through the aisles of the church, dressed in a rainbow of solid-colored t-shirts, the story of Joseph was told in vivid detail by a large cast of wonderful singers and dancers. Michael Unger, NewArts producing artistic director since its inception, once again directs the entire cast with joy and somehow manages to ensure that every cast member is able to shine onstage. He always sets the bar extremely high for his performers and they never fail to raise to the challenge with his help. Upcoming for Mr. Unger will be ‘A Christmas Carol’ for NewArts (auditions for all ages in September) and the operas ‘The Magic Flute’ and ‘Tiefland’ in Florida this winter.

Smart choices made by the director included children as cornstalks and stars in “Joseph’s Dream,” a spitting camel and hissing snake in Egypt and a cameo by the family dog Cosmo in “Potipher,” for it wouldn’t be a NewArts show without this adorable pup. Highlights were the strong ensemble of Joseph’s brothers, an especially strong “Those Canaan Days,” and anytime the wives/dancers were on the stage. I loved the final “Megamix” in white where everyone got to take their well-deserved bows, followed by another tear-jerking performance of the brand new NewArts theme entitled “Rise Above and Go Beyond.”

The cast was led by the amazing vocals of Equity actress Janet Metz, the wife of Mr. Unger. Ms. Metz starred as the Narrator opposite Donny Osmond in the North American premiere of ‘Joseph…’ and can be heard on the platinum original cast CD, among other Broadway and Off-Broadway original cast recordings. She interacted with the young performers with grace as she sang every word of the lengthy narration and her cast mates matched her level of professionalism in every scene. In children’s productions of this work of Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice the role of the narrator is often shared by at least two singers.

Charles Romano made his mark in the role of Joseph; this young man is a triple threat with a wonderful stage presence. Joseph DeVellis could not have been more amazing in the roles of Joseph’s aged father Jacob, Potiphar, and the Elvis-inspired Pharaoh. He deserved each one of his ovations during the curtain call. Jerusha Wright danced very well in the role of Mrs. Potiphar. Melissa Shohet had her dreams interpreted as the baker of Pharaoh, while Ashley Raymond did the same as the royal butler.

Joseph’s jealous brothers were played well by eleven talented teens who had sublime harmony on “Pharaoh’s Story.” They included Maddy Oldham as Reuben (‘One More Angel in Heaven/Hoedown,”) Christian Winter as Simeon (“Those Canaan Days,”) Marina Kolitsas as Judah (“Benjamin Calypso,”) Ms. Shohet as Naphtali, Ms. Raymond as Issachar, Delia Cass as Asher, Max Browne as Dan, Carissa Titus as Zebulon, Lucio Santander as Gad, Arianna Shovak as Levi and Jason Winter as Benjamin. During the megamix with the full company, the audience could see that the majority of the brothers were played by girls. Special mention to the talented dancers/wives that included Alex Aug, Julianna Koziol, Rosalie Saver, Lina Silver, Rebecca Spalvieri, Phoebe Unger, Rebecca Wild and Jerusha Wright.

Michael Baroody, MD served as executive producer and I had the honor of sitting next to his wife, ophthalmologist Dr. Sarah Baroody, in the front row on opening night. We both were able to see Ava Baroody and Sophia Baroody singing in the onstage Children’s Choir. Brian Prather designed the simple set that did not detract from the rainbow of the children’s choir and Stevie Rival (‘Liberty Smith’) served as coordinator of the fabulous costumes. I loved the lined circle skirts worn by the wives and the sixties vibe of “Go, Go, Go Joseph.” Lighting was designed by G. Benjamin Swope, who also served as production manager. Brian Kelly designed the sound that unfortunately was spotty at times. Mary Paul was in charge of the charming props and Tara Jeanne Vallee (‘Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy’ on Broadway) worked choreographic magic with the various-styled dances that lit up the stage. Music Director Jeffrey Saver (‘Allegiance’ on Broadway) conducted the 18-piece orchestra that sat at the back of the stage, heavy with lovely strings and Brett Boles on piano and J.Paul Borque on keyboard 2.

Four chances remain this weekend to enjoy this spectacular production of a family classic. The children are led by Broadway professionals at a local venue at an affordable price and you will not be disappointed. I can’t wait to hear what they have planned for next summer for what will be their sixth season of high-quality productions. Walnut Hill Community Church is located at 156 Walnut Hill Road in Bethel and offers plenty of onsite parking.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417