Overview
Synopsis
The biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes alive in the musical retelling. Joseph -- the favorite son of Jacob -- is blessed with vivid dreams that foretell the future. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph endures a series of adventures which challenge him to his core. Soon he finds himself belonging to Potiphar, whose wife makes advances toward Joseph and ultimately land him behind bars. However, news of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams sparks the interest of the hilariously Elvis-like Pharaoh. Soon, Joseph is out of jail and well on his way to second-in-command. Eventually Joseph’s brothers find themselves unknowingly groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed. As they fail to even recognise him, Joseph tests their integrity. He ultimately reveals himself and the brothers are reconciled. A truly timeless Old Testament tale, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is set to a multitude of musical genres, spanning from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock and roll.
Show Information
Context
In 1967 Andrew Lloyd Webber was approached by Alan Doggett, the head of Music at Colet Court, St Paul’s Junior School, which Andrew’s younger brother, Julian attended. Doggett wanted Webber to compose a “pop cantata” for the school chorus to sing in their end-of-term concert. Andrew approached friend, Tim Rice, to write lyrics for the project. They toyed with several ideas, but eventually Rice suggested that they write based on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis.
The first
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Act One
The Narrator addresses the audience, telling them that if they have an hour or two, she will tell them the story of a boy who had a dream and how it came true (“Prologue”). Joseph appears and sings with the choir about his story: his beautiful coat, losing his coat, and being left alone (“Any Dream Will Do”).
The Narrator introduces Jacob and his twelve sons: Reuben, the eldest, Simeon, Levi, Naphtali, Isaachar, Asher, Dan, Zebulun, Gad, Benjamin, Judah, and Joseph, his
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Character Portrayals
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Songs
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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Themes
Jealousy and Favoritism
At the heart of the story is sibling rivalry, sparked by Jacob’s overt favoritism toward Joseph. The jealousy of his brothers drives the betrayal that sets the entire plot in motion. The theme underscores how favoritism can fracture families and create resentment, but also how forgiveness can restore unity.
Dreams and Destiny
Dreams serve as both narrative devices and metaphors for faith, hope, and destiny. Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams not only
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A concept musical is a type of musical structured around a central idea, theme, or message rather than a straightforward linear plot. Songs, characters, and scenes are often arranged to explore this unifying concept from different perspectives. This style allows for greater experimentation and can blend satire, social commentary, or abstract storytelling.
Spoken commentary that provides exposition or transitions within a play. Narration often bridges scenes and guides audience understanding.
A character or voice that tells part of the story, offering commentary or background. Narrators are frequently used in children’s theatre and epic productions.
A work imitating styles or genres from various sources, often used in postmodern theatre for satire or homage.
The repetition of a song or theme earlier introduced in a musical, usually to reflect character change or emphasize emotional development.
Spectacle refers to the visual elements of a production that create wonder and excitement through design, movement, or scale. This might include elaborate costumes, dazzling choreography, special effects, or impressive sets. Spectacle often heightens the theatrical experience by leaving audiences with vivid visual impressions alongside the story and music.
A production created to showcase the talents of a specific star performer, often tailored to their strengths.
A through-sung musical is one where the story is told almost entirely through continuous music instead of spoken dialogue. Songs and recurring melodies connect seamlessly to carry the narrative, giving the show a heightened and operatic feel. This structure makes the emotions of the characters more immediate and helps the audience stay immersed in the musical world.