Artsopolis: All Arts. Online. Anytime.

• Official Website

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

West Valley Light Opera

November 3-December 1, 2007

Avg. Event Rating (3.3 Stars): 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.

• At-a-Glance
• Member Reviews
• What's Nearby

• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $22-$28

  Email

  Buy tickets

• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  November 3-December 1, 2007

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

• Venue Info

  Saratoga Civic Theater

  13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070

  Full map and directions

• Accessibility Info

  • Assisted Listening System
  • Wheelchair Access

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate. However it's a good idea to visit the official website or call the venue to verify the information.

• Member Reviews

  Add review/comment

  • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
    "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
    "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
    "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
    "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
    "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
    "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
    "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
    "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
    "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

  • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
    "Excellent story told with music"
    Review posted by: Andrew P from San Jose, CA, Nov 05, 2007
    

    I walked into this show not expecting too much, as I learned about this story a while back in church. When I learned it will be entirely musical without dialogue, I was a bit skeptical. I walked out... Expand

    I walked into this show not expecting too much, as I learned about this story a while back in church. When I learned it will be entirely musical without dialogue, I was a bit skeptical. I walked out satisfied with how it was told through music. Artsy and beautiful. Technically I couldn't see anything wrong. The grand finale with the moving lights was a nice touch. I generally don't expect community theatre to have lighting to the caliber of a more professional theatre, so that was a nice addition. The children and the actors were well rehearsed, although I was waiting for a solo from a child, that never happened. Overall I would recommend this to everyone I know. Good musical. I'll come back to catch Damn Yankees. Collapse

  • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
    "The VILLIAGE PEOPLE?!?!"
    Review posted by: Bill J. from Santa Clara, Nov 04, 2007
    

    I expected a lot out of this show since I saw how great it was the last time WVLO produced it. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the tackiness of this remounting. Director Jon Rosen stoops so low... Expand

    I expected a lot out of this show since I saw how great it was the last time WVLO produced it. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the tackiness of this remounting. Director Jon Rosen stoops so low as to have the Village People be represented in one of the musical numbers and to make a visual political statement with a religous symbol projected onto the stage in white light. Tasteless jokes and visuals (that no one could sell enough to be laughed at), lack of energy, underrehearsed and most times totally not understandable...this show was the worst I have seen from WVLO (the same problem from the same team that did HAIR this summer). Maybe if the direction were stronger (including the musical director), it would have been much more enjoyable and have more energy. Since the director invited us personally to review the show, I dialed up Artsopolis and did...Too much talent wasted in half-baked ideas. Collapse

  • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
    "I never expected Joseph to be such an exhilarating ride!"
    Review posted by: Katy from San Jose, CA, Nov 03, 2007
    

    This is such a fun show!! From the first song to the last, I was smiling if not laughing out loud! They thought of everything. The singing was great, the dancing was amazing, and even the sets and... Expand

    This is such a fun show!! From the first song to the last, I was smiling if not laughing out loud! They thought of everything. The singing was great, the dancing was amazing, and even the sets and costumes are worth mentioning! Usually community theater isn't anything too fantastic. You go to see a friend and hopefully have a good enough time. But this production of Joseph is not to be missed! I had technicolor dreams last night! Seriously though, it was wonderful. I wanted to get up and dance and sing along! Get ready to be delighted by the assortment of hilariously rousing music styles. There were a few things that hopefully will be fixed. At times the music or ensemble was so loud that I couldn't understand the lyrics. But honestly I think the entire cast was just having so much fun that they couldn't contain their energy! The only bad part of the show was Joseph's hair...what an awful wig! All in all, go go go SEE IT! Collapse

  • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
    "Loved It"
    Review posted by: Marge Muller from San Jose, CA, Nov 03, 2007
    

    I really loved the show. Lose the wig on Joseph.

    I really loved the show. Lose the wig on Joseph.

  • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
    "A Great Show"
    Review posted by: Hooked on Joseph and the ADC from San Jose, CA USA, Nov 03, 2007
    

    I really enjoyed the show! The narrator was awsome and Joseph was fantastic. The dancing/signing of the brothers was very well done, they had me laughing and signing along -great job. The wifes were... Expand

    I really enjoyed the show! The narrator was awsome and Joseph was fantastic. The dancing/signing of the brothers was very well done, they had me laughing and signing along -great job. The wifes were fantastic. Phataphar's wife was so incredible. I had a great time. I would suggest either getting a better wig for Joseph or going without it -very bad wig. The children were cute, but could use some more rehersing. Collapse

  • Event Name: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
    "Joseph Raves"
    Review posted by: Jules B. from San Jose, CA USA, Nov 03, 2007
    

    This production was full of energy, youth, and good songs. Joseph's character was fantastic. I've been going to several productions by this company in the last few years, and this has been the best to... Expand

    This production was full of energy, youth, and good songs. Joseph's character was fantastic. I've been going to several productions by this company in the last few years, and this has been the best to date.I was swept up into the past and the 2 hour performance time flew by. I couldn't believe it was over so soon. They left me wanting MORE!!!!! Collapse

  View all reviews/comments for this event

  View reviews/comments for past events