Book and lyrics by Tim Rice, based on the Holy Bible, Genesis 37-46. Lyrics by Tim Rice. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The original Broadway production opened on 27 January 1982 and was directed and choreographed by Tony Tanner, running for 747 performances. The premiere production of the show was at the Colet Court School on 1 March 1968, with the original West End production opening on 6 February 1973. A video production was released in 1999.
Synopsis and Musical Numbers
A narrator tells us we are about to hear the story of a person like any one of us – a dreamer – whose dreams came true (PROLOGUE). We jump back to Biblical times and meet Jacob, who had twelve sons of whom Joseph was his favorite (JACOB AND SONS). To show his love for Joseph, Jacob gives him a multi-coloured coat (JOSEPH’S COAT). Joseph’s brothers resent the favoritism and the fact that Joseph has high aspirations (JOSEPH’S DREAMS). Fraught with jealousy, the brothers throw him in a pit and are going to leave him there when they are approached by the Ishmaelites. They change their minds and sell Joseph off to slavery in Egypt, telling their father he had been killed by a goat (POOR POOR JOSEPH / ONE MORE ANGEL IN HEAVEN).
>In Egypt, Joseph works for POTIPHAR and manages to achieve great heights by working very hard. But when Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce Joseph and they are caught together, Joseph is thrown into prison (POOR POOR JOSEPH / CLOSE EVERY DOOR). Everything seems to be lost but Joseph’s hope is rekindled when he interprets the dreams of two other prisoners – the Pharaoh’s Butler and Baker (GO GO GO JOSEPH). Up at the palace, Pharaoh is having some very strange dreams himself (PHARAOH STORY / POOR POOR PHARAOH). The butler, now freed, remembers Joseph and tells the king of his interpratative powers. Pharaoh sends for Joseph and the dreams are explained (SONG OF THE KING / PHARAOH’S DREAMS EXPLAINED). There is going to be a period of plenty in the land, followed by a harsh famine. Pharaoh is impressed by Joseph and makes him his second in command (STONE THE CROWS).
Back in Canaan, the future looks rough. Jacob’s family is finding it tough, remembering the good times they once had (THOSE CANAAN DAYS). Deciding the cannot live on what they have, THE BROTHERS GO TO EGYPT to ask for food. They appear before Joseph and do not recognise him. Joseph makes them GROVEL, and then accuses Benjamin of stealing his precious golden cup (WHO’S THE THIEF?). The brothers leap to his defence (BENJAMIN CALYPSO) and Joseph sees they are changed men. He reveals himself (JOSPEH ALL THE TIME). Everyone rejoices and Jacob is happy to be reunited with his beloved son (JACOB IN EGYPT). Joseph sings of his dreams once more and displays an even more fabulous technicolor dreamcoat (ANY DREAM WILL DO/GIVE ME MY COLORED COAT).
Mini Gallery
Purchases from Amazon
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: 1. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 1973 London Cast CD. 2. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 1982 Broadway Cast CD. 3. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 1991 London Cast CD. 4. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 1992 Canadian Cast CD. 5. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Karaoke CD.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: 1. 1. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat DVD. 2. Lloyd Webber Favourites 4 DVD Set. 3. Lloyd Webber Masterpiece DVD 4. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Vocal Score. 5. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Easy Piano.
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While we are on the subject of Andrew Lloyd Webber, I’m very interested in what you have to say about The Phantom of the Opera. I haven’t seen anything on your page, have you written anything?
You can check out the Phantom page here.
My high school show choir did a few performances from Joseph. It was a lot of fun! I have seen the show on Broadway. I look forward to seeing spactacular events such as this and Phantom!