When we are all deep in the doldrums as our theatres stay dark, here comes a much needed breath of fresh air, bursting onto our screens, in full kaleidoscopic glory and musical majesty – Joseph and the Amazing All Star Concert – Highlights from the Technicolor Musical. With a foreword from the original touring Joseph, Jess Conrad OBE who played the role of Joseph in the 1970/80’s. This concert is true to the original artistic intent, a pure celebration and after so long without live performances, this brought more than one tear of joy to my eye!
Based on the Bible story in Genesis with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Joseph was originally written whilst the pair where at Magdalen College, Oxford. However, the original idea for this concert was spotted on the Joseph Tour UK webpage by Executive Producer Adam Lacey who jumped at the chance to put together a star studded cast with the help of fans, of friends and of fellow performers. He had a dream that he could reach the hearts and minds of the people during lockdown and the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic with one of Britain’s most magical musicals. Initially contacting Nigel Wright who worked with the Really Useful Group’s production from the 1990’s and Jason Donovan’s Any Dream will do era, Lacey began to realise his dream to produce the concert in support of Acting for Others which provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through 14 member charities. Never has there been a more needy time for the Arts than during the Covid-19 crisis.
In these times of uncertainty, it is the creative amongst us who pave the way for a ‘new normal’ and this reimagined Highlights Concert has been created for digital viewing. With no less than Maria Friedman, Ria Jones, Jenna Lee-James and Zoe Tyler setting the scene and the standard as the Narrators, this All Star concert of 30 plus exuberant performers, spanning over 52 years of the show’s life, is an absolute delight and homage to a musical that has a massive place in so many hearts, audience and performers alike.
The title role of Joseph is sung by Darren Day, Keith Jack, Mike Holoway, Jaymi Hensley and Mark McMullan, each bringing their own unique interpretation and colour to the iconic role. Johnny Amobi steals the role of Judah in Benjamin’s Calypso with a voice that resonates the role. Marlon Moore and Andrew Geater rock the house as the Pharaoh and Anthony Stuart Lloyd dons the role of Jacob with great sensitivity.
To see performers of this quality so close up and personal and also, to see the pure joy of them performing again is delightful, add to that an uplifting musical of good overcoming adversity. Joseph and the Amazing All Star Concert is the perfect choice of musical with themes that are prevalent today.
Joseph and the Amazing All Star Concert is broadcast this Friday 10th July at 6.30 pm on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JosephConcert
Now sit back, immerse yourself and admire – I bet you will smile the whole way through!
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 7th July 2020
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★
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