Any Dream Will Do

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Wow! If you think you know this delicious, delightful, family friendly musical, you’re in for a wonderful surprise. I am continually impressed with Amber Mak’s creative genius. With each show, Amber always surprises theatergoers with her remarkably fresh, new and imaginative interpretation. This gifted Director/Choreographer never fails to find an exciting and novel way to present a familiar musical that we think we already know. Which brings me to Amber Mak’s unique vision for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular, family friendly musical comedy. 

Originally written in 1968 as a 15-minute pop cantata for a London boys school, with the success of their West End hit musical, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR producers urged composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice to flesh out their little musical skit to create another, full-length Bible story-based musical. Religious entertainments were in vogue then, with the popularity of …SUPERSTAR and Stephen Schwartz’s GODSPELL. Soon Webber and Rice’s longer version of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT opened in the West End in 1973. I was in London for that production and the show’s popularity was unmatched at the time. Nine years later JOSEPH… had crossed the Pond and become a huge Broadway hit. This catchy sung-through pop-rock musical eventually toured the country and eventually played all over the world. By the 21st century, every academic, community, regional and professional theatre has presented their own productions, often more than once, and the show’s popularity continues with no end in sight.

Marriott’s production celebrates the 50th anniversary of this much-loved, multiple Jeff Award-winning Chicagoland theatre. It’s not the first time the professional arena stage theatre has staged this crowd-pleasing musical, including a 60-minute version for their Theatre for Young Audiences. Amber Mak’s current, full-length, family-friendly production, with a 15-minute intermission, comes in under two hours. And this version of JOSEPH is a particularly energetic, hilarious, often touching, melodic must-see work of art.

Ms. Mak’s sparkling, reimagined production opens, with a young father and mother telling a bedtime story to their little girl (alternately played by Avelyn Lena Choi and Lena Soszyinski). The child begs for a song and presto! Lloyd Webber’s catchy score begins. Longtime favorite Chicago musical theatre 

actor/singer, Devin DeSantis (HONEYMOON IN VEGAS at the Marriott, KINKY BOOTS and NEXT TO NORMAL at Paramount) lovingly plays the Dad, who then becomes the charismatic character of Joseph. Mr. DeSantis is, as always, superb in both roles. The Mom, affectionately portrayed with genius and grace by lovely Kaitlyn Davis, continues telling the biblical bedtime story by transforming into The Narrator. If Ms. Davis looks familiar, this talented actor/singer is returning to the Marriott Theatre after her terrific, Jeff Award-winning portrayal of Carole King in BEAUTIFUL. The mega-talented Kaitlyn Davis has previously sung the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber before when she played Christine in the National Tour of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Together, along with an exceptionally talented ensemble, Amber Mak’s production turns into a high-energy, fast-paced production that’s filled with sparkle, color and magic.

This production features a large company of Chicago favorite performers, as well as a few talented newcomers to the Lincolnshire stage. George Keating (HELLO DOLLY, EVITA) makes a welcome return to the Marriott in the dual role of Jacob, the father of the large clan of brothers, and later as Potiphar, a wealthy Egyptian oligarch who purchases Joseph, after he’s sold into slavery. Also returning to the Marriott stage, Jeff Award-winner Lorenzo Rush, Jr. (THE CHRISTMAS STORY, DAMN YANKEES) is wonderful as an Elvis Presley/Little Richard-inspired Pharaoh. Two excellent singing/dancing actors play a couple featured roles. J Tyler Whitmer (who began his professional career at the Marriott) is funny as the Baker, and Maxel McLoud Schingen (making his Marriott debut) is delightful as the Butler.

Amber Mak has nicely created an equitable and inclusive cast by welcoming absolutely everyone to the party. Jacob’s twelve “sons,” typically played by an all-male ensemble, includes actors who are both male and female, younger and older, as well as performers from all races, genders and walks of life. The company beautifully represents the rainbow quilt of humanity that is America. They include such talented and outstanding performers in multiple roles as Lillian Castillo, Leah Morrow, Elizabeth Telford, Kayla Kennedy, Amanda Walker, Teah Kiang Mirabelli, Sophie Liu David, Christopher Kale Jones, Tommy Rivera-Vega, Ron King, Justin Payton Nelson and Juwon Tyrel Perry.

Ryan T. Nelson’s Musical Direction and pitch perfect orchestrations make the score sound brilliant and beautiful. Conductor and keyboardist Rick Bertone keeps the score rocking through his brilliant 8-member pit orchestra. The toe-tapping score, including the Megamix Finale, features such hits as “One More Angel in Heaven,” “Close Every Door,” “Song of the King,” “Those Canaan Days,” “Benjamin Calypso,” “Go, Go, Go Joseph” and the lovely “Any Dream Will Do.” Jeffrey D. Kmiec’s simple, but gorgeous, star-studded Scenic Design, with an impressive patchwork quilted floor motif, absolutely glows, thanks to Jesse Klug’s brilliant and shimmering Lighting Design. Theresa Ham has outdone herself with a chromatic, character-driven Costume Design, accented by Miguel A. Armstrong’s wonderful Wigs & Makeup.

Marriott’s 50th anniversary season also includes something else that’s new and exciting. They’re featuring a new Pop-up restaurant experience in the Three Embers eatery of the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort. Just a few steps away from the Marriott Theatre, the dining room, which is decorated to reflect the current musical, will feature a rotating menu of delicious, theme-oriented treats for each show this season. 

Joseph’s Dream Grill, which is open Tuesdays-Saturdays, from 4-9 pm, February 5-March 30, will feature a pre-fixe menu that’ll include Red Nile Lentil Soup, with herb oil and micro cilantro; Joseph’s Beef Schwarma, with Roz Bel Shareya, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and tahini; and a “Fit for a King” raisin cake for dessert. During the run of JOSEPH…, the main menu will also feature such items as the Pharaoh’s Memphis Style BBQ Pizza and Wood-Fired Shrimp Creole

Reservations for the Three Embers experience are advised and can be made at www.threeembersrestaurant.com, or by calling 847-634-0100.

As part of the theatre’s 50th anniversary, audiences can make their afternoon or evening visit to the Marriott Theatre a full sensory experience. Come for a delicious, creative meal and then stay for an artistically delightful family-friendly musical production, guided by creative Director/Choreographer Amber Mak, and featuring a gifted, likable company of talent that promises, without a doubt, that any dream will do.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February 5-March 30 by the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling the Marriott at 847-634-0200 or by going to www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.