03/11/2025
Congratulations to the Joseph team - an AMAZING review from Simon Denver. Highlights below:
From the moment this production started it was obvious everything was from the top drawer. The cast and the production assaulted the audience with a barrage of joy, finesse and style. Without any pauses or respite it effortlessly flowed.
… Joseph (Riley Cope) and The Narrator (Bridie Delaney) are the real glue of this show. These two are the metronome for the show and you’d be hard pressed to find two better performers. Riley Cope completely disarmed the audience with his sincerity and natural approach to Joseph. It was more than a performance – it was a masterclass. Bridie did her role to perfection. She told the story. A crystal-clear diction with just the right amount of theatrical elasticity. The glam, the glitter and the fun of this show was built on the bedrock laid down by these two great performances.
The whole cast deserves praise. The endless brothers (who flooded the stage with energy and milked humour where and whenever possible). Talking of milking - Russell Krause took full opportunity as the Elvis based Pharaoh! His “Song of the King” was a standout. And how could you not love the Children’s chorus (whose discipline and focus could have put many an adult to shame) and the fantastic dancers
If I had a favourite song from this production, it was the French Tango – “Canaan Days”. A lament of life without Joseph by two of his brothers Issacher (Jordans Jeckells) and Asher (Jackson Krause) – Performed to perfection and with the right mix of music and theatre by both of them.
Director Deb Ellison has produced a minor miracle. From the very beginning to the last fading note there was a creative yet firm grip on this production. Deb found the joy in the show and translated it accordingly. Her talents were not confined only to the direction; she also choreographed the whole thing. Refreshing to see bold, rehearsed and seemingly seamless dancing with a chorus of great dancers. Not sure where you got them all from – but keep them. They really were the icing on the cake!
Of course we must acknowledge the musical Director - Diana Thomson. Great harmonies and clarity. So refreshing to see singing, dancing and acting all working with each other and not trying to dominate.
I loved the lights - stunning lighting plot (designed by Riley Cope no less). Costumes – Margaret Courtney has surpassed even her high standards with a flooded stage of bold, big, colourful and epic costumes. Set design - simple yet effective, visually rich yet complementary.
Final summary: it was quite mesmerising with some exceptional talent running around the paddock. An excellent job by all concerned! So top marks for Deb, Dianne, Bridie, Riley, Jackson, Jordan, Russell and everyone! A great, bright, slick and entertaining production.
I don’t know if there are any tickets left but if there are then grab them now. This is one of the best musical productions the coast has seen for years.
