• Theatre

    Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

    Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Image gallery

    West Valley Light Opera

    November 3-December 1, 2007

    Avg. Event Rating (3.3 Stars): 3.5 out of 5 stars rating Add Review/Comment

    A musical based on a favorite Old Testament Biblical story enlivened by the joyful score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of many memorable scores, including Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and The Phantom of the Opera. Based on the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, this vibrant and imaginative musical creates a joyous explosion of color, comedy, music and fun as it tells of Joseph and his brothers' adventures in Egypt. This musical opened on Broadway in 1981 and several touring companies have since presented it in the major cities across the country.

    • Ticket Info

      Tickets: $22-$28

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    • Dates & Times

      Dates:
      November 3-December 1, 2007

      Times:
      Fri-Sat: 8pm
      Sun: 2:30pm

    • Venue Info

      Saratoga Civic Theater

      13777 Fruitvale Ave. Saratoga, CA 95070

      Full map and directions

    • Accessibility Info
      • Wheelchair Access
      • Assisted Listening System
    • NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

    • Image Gallery

      Video | Images

    • Member Reviews
      • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
        4.5 out of 5 stars rating "test"
        Review posted by: test from test, Nov 27, 2007

        this is a test

        this is a test

      • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
        4 out of 5 stars rating "Enjoyable Performance"
        Review posted by: Sunshine from East Bay, Nov 18, 2007

        This was our first performance at WVLO. We knew our friend who played Joseph would not let us down and as usual he exceeded our wildest expections. His talent was well matched by the narrator who... Expand

        This was our first performance at WVLO. We knew our friend who played Joseph would not let us down and as usual he exceeded our wildest expections. His talent was well matched by the narrator who added much of her own 'storytelling voice' to the character. A pleasant change of pace. We particularly enjoyed the various personalities of the brothers. While there was individual talent in the ensemble they didn't seem to mesh well and were definately not supported well with the off stage orchestra which sounded like canned music. It was great to see the kids involved in so many scenes! Collapse

      • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
        4 out of 5 stars rating "Good show"
        Review posted by: Marcia from San Jose, CA , Nov 09, 2007

        Good show everyone!

        Good show everyone!

      • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
        "The director replies..."
        Comment posted by: Jon Rosen from San Jose, Nov 08, 2007

        I always read reviews and was delighted to read some, and obviously disappointed at others. A creative team can learn from its audiences and reviews: (1) Joseph's wig, which was almost universally... Expand

        I always read reviews and was delighted to read some, and obviously disappointed at others. A creative team can learn from its audiences and reviews: (1) Joseph's wig, which was almost universally panned by both the positive and negative reviewers is GONE :-) and Joseph does look better without it! (2) Sound has improved significantly from opening night when we had a major glitch in the system, although this is always a difficult issue in community theater. One small defense: the Star of David projected behind Close Every Door is NOT intended to be political at all. Its use follows closely the words of the song itself. It is a religious symbol of the Israelites and the family of Jacob. The song has the words "Children of Israel are never alone, for we know we shall find, our own piece of mind, for we have been promised a land of our own." I apologize if anyone takes offense to its use but we think it fits (it was featured in the video with Donny Osmond). Collapse

      • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
        4.5 out of 5 stars rating "Excellent production"
        Review posted by: Paul Murphy from San Jose, Nov 07, 2007

        The costumes, sets and acting in this production were all very strong, especially the leads. Our whole family enjoyed it.

        The costumes, sets and acting in this production were all very strong, especially the leads. Our whole family enjoyed it.

      • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
        1 out of 5 stars rating "um.... money back please!!"
        Review posted by: Bonnie L. from Willow Glen, CA, Nov 06, 2007

        I am a huge fan of WVLO and I have seen most of their last five seasons so i was expecting to see a great show. The first time I saw Joseph it was performed by a group of elementary school kids and... Expand

        I am a huge fan of WVLO and I have seen most of their last five seasons so i was expecting to see a great show. The first time I saw Joseph it was performed by a group of elementary school kids and sad to say their production was leaps and bounds better than this one. Its evident that the director did not direct at all. The actors stand in random clumps and make pathetic attempts at blocking for the sake of movement. These actors all have talent but its not shown here. Even the songs were excruciating and the band was way underrehearsed. Musical and vocal director should rethink her job title. Overall this production is only for family members of the cast that would delight in simply seeing their kin onstage. Collapse

      • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
        1 out of 5 stars rating "VERY DISAPPOINTING!"
        Review posted by: Greg from Campbell from Campbell, Nov 06, 2007

        What's happening with this group? I attended the opening night performance and they were just not ready to open. The sound cues(when it happened) were wrong, wigs were falling off, dancing was sloppy,... Expand

        What's happening with this group? I attended the opening night performance and they were just not ready to open. The sound cues(when it happened) were wrong, wigs were falling off, dancing was sloppy, orchestra was underrehearsed. However, the sets were great and Fiona Lawson tried hard as the narrator. Very amateurish to say the least. Very disappointed in a group that I have supported through the years. The last several shows have not been the quality of FOREVER PLAID which still remains a highlight. Let's get it together group!!. Collapse

      • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
        2.5 out of 5 stars rating "Go..Go..Go... Joseph"
        Review posted by: Greeneyed_magic from San Jose, CA , Nov 06, 2007

        Overall it's a good show. Costumes could have been slightly better, especially the colors - too much yellow and orange. Joseph is excellent, but the hair has to go. The children are lovely and the... Expand

        Overall it's a good show. Costumes could have been slightly better, especially the colors - too much yellow and orange. Joseph is excellent, but the hair has to go. The children are lovely and the brothers a HOOT!! I was expecting a little more seriousness to the show, but found it enjoyable. Collapse

      • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
        1 out of 5 stars rating "Hard to sit through"
        Review posted by: Gillian from San Jose, Nov 06, 2007

        This production was a sad shambles, from the sour opening notes of the overture to overly long curtain call. "Joseph" should be an energetic and fun show, but the energy of this version was sucked out... Expand

        This production was a sad shambles, from the sour opening notes of the overture to overly long curtain call. "Joseph" should be an energetic and fun show, but the energy of this version was sucked out of the show by weak direction, musical direction and choreography. The poor management took its toll on the cast, many of whom are talented performers who don't get the chance to shine in this poorly conceived production. They need better guidance and direction. A few bright spots are the sets by Stephen C. Wathen and competent performances by Fiona Lawson (Narrator) and Robert Lopez (Joseph), but they can't overcome the ineptitude of the creative team. West Valley Light Opera clearly needs to recruit better leadership to put on better shows. Collapse

      • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
        3 out of 5 stars rating "great leads but..."
        Review posted by: Theatre Fan from Sunnyvale, CA, Nov 05, 2007

        The actors portraying the Narrator and Joseph were, without a doubt, outstanding. Fiona Lawson was made to play this role. And my friend and I adored Joseph's "Close Every Door". (Even though he was... Expand

        The actors portraying the Narrator and Joseph were, without a doubt, outstanding. Fiona Lawson was made to play this role. And my friend and I adored Joseph's "Close Every Door". (Even though he was having quite the bad hair day...) My concern lies with the ensemble, who had standout individual performances but seemed to lack the unity of a tight chorus. Connection between characters was lacking. We were also not a fan of the orchestra being placed backstage, out of sight. It sounded like a recording and therefore lacked the rich musical fullness that one enjoys from musical theatre. This may have added to the lack of emotion from the ensemble. (An example is the forced "woo-hoos" every couple of seconds during the "One More Angel in Heaven" dance.) The performance did seem slightly... off. With that said, I did enjoy myself and plan on returning for further WVLO productions. Collapse

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    Posted: 12/01/2008 03:10:57 PM PST

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