Marriott Lincolnshire Resort and Theatre Celebrates Fifty Year Golden Jubilee Birthday Bash
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the first Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical to be performed publicly. The biblical story of Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son and dream interpreter, revolves around the themes of jealousy, betrayal, deceit, false imprisonment, and, ultimately, love and forgiveness. Try to imagine yourself trying to forgive such a heinous, treacherous act as selling a beloved brother into slavery and telling his father he is dead. We are challenged to reconcile ourselves to simple, unintended slights. This biblical story reminds us that we must be kind, understanding, and forgiving to achieve peace.
With her experience as a choreographer, producer, and dramaturg educator, Northwestern graduate Amber Mak skillfully directs and choreographs Marriott Lincolnshire’s lively production. It is imaginative and creative, with unique staging choices. The pom-pom cheerleaders for the “Go, Go, Go Joseph” song received wild applause. Mak reminds us, “Joseph is a show that has captivated audiences worldwide. Its universal themes of love, loss, and redemption resonate deeply, while its sheer exuberance and joyous energy provide an escape from the everyday. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to this musical, I hope you’ll find something to delight in as you let the music transport you through this colorful, dreamy journey. Just remember, any dream will do.” and that he popped out of an Egyptian coffin. This is a rich, vibrant, brilliant show sparkling with an infectious energy that will shake the winter doldrums right out of you. The ensemble explodes on stage with a dynamic energy that never ceases. Their dancing, singing, and acting are stellar.
Chicagoland Theatre favorite Devin DeSantis stars as Joseph. He has a personable manner and a fabulous voice. His singing will enthrall you. Jeff Award Winning, Star of Marriott’s Beautiful Kaitlyn Davis, is the narrator. Davis is clear and in her delivery perfection. She has the voice of an angel. Her duets with Avelyn Lena Choi are beautiful harmonies. Choi is only ten years old and has quite a resume, including the national tour of Frozen as Elsa. She is already well on the road to becoming a star performer. Three-time Jeff Award Winner Lorenzo Rush Jr. is a convincing, charismatic Pharaoh who congenially engages with the audience. I loved his Elvis costume. George Keating plays both Jacob and Potiphar adroitly. His wigs really identified his character.
The cast and ensemble players are all fabulous. They play their parts with flawless gusto. The Ishmelites: Kayla Kennedy, Ron King, Sophie Liu David, Maxel McLoud Schingen as a hippy rock band with captive Joseph as a slave roadie is truly comic genius. Lillian Castillo portrays Reuben. Christopher Kale is cast as Issachar. Kayla Kennedy is a slinking, beguiling, evil temptress as Potiphar’s wife who ensnares poor Joseph. Michael Earvin Martin is Levi. Teah Kiang Mirabelli is Asher. Leah Morrow is Simeon. Justin Payton Nelson is Benjamin. Tommy Rivera Vega is Zebulon. Maxel McLoud Schingen is the butler, and Elizabeth Telford is Naphtali. Amanda Walker is Gad. J. Tyler Whitmer plays both Dan and the baker.
Theresa Ham’s plethora of costume designs is phenomenal. She captures the story and mood of the musical perfectly. Kudos to Miguel A. Armstrong’s fabulous Wig and Makeup design. Scenic Design by Jeffrey D. Kmiec sets the mood inventively. The lighting design by Jesse Klug was fantastic and magical. The patterned stars changing light and colors were so engaging and gorgeous. My guest commented she wants that look for her outdoor garden. The stage floor was covered by photos of Berger Carpets, which set the location. Sound Design is by Michael Daly. Sally Zack expertly crafts Properties Design. Music Director/Orchestrations Ryan T. Nelson and Conductor Rick Bertone Music Coordinator do Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice’s beloved score proud. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is packed with pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door,” “There’s One More Angel In Heaven,” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph”. It will have you tapping your toes and clapping your hands and wanting to sing out loud. With its glittering costumes and medley of songs, the finale was Broadway and Vegas wrapped up as a gift. The icing on the cake was Joseph exhorting us to find love and joy. Yes, we did. Please pass it on.
