The Marriott Theatre is lighting up the stage with its production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, celebrating both the beloved musical and the 50th Anniversary Season of the renowned Chicagoland theatre.
Directed and choreographed by Amber Mak, this vibrant retelling of the biblical saga featuring Joseph, his father Jacob, and his eleven brothers promises to enchant audiences of all ages. The show kicked off with previews on February 5 and will run through March 30, showcasing the colorful story narrated through timeless music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
“We’ve read the book, and you come out on top,” sings the cast, setting the stage for the tale of Joseph’s tumultuous life, which begins with familial jealousy over his prized coat. Joseph, played alluringly by Devin DeSantis, struggles with being the favorite child, leading to tumultuous rivalry and his eventual sale to Ishmaelites by his brothers. This tale vividly transforms, infusing modern interpretations alongside the classical narrative.
The story is brought to life within the joyful atmosphere of the Marriott Theatre, which has long been celebrated for its enchanting productions. “I look handsome/I look smart/I am a walking work of art,” Joseph gleefully boasts during the show, capturing the character's charming but sometimes delusional nature. DeSantis elevates his performance with comedic flair, particularly evident during the heartfelt ballad “Close Every Door,” where he captures the emotional struggle transitioning from despair to hope.
Accompanying him as the Narrator is Kaitlyn Davis, who skillfully guides the audience through the ups and downs of Joseph’s adventure. With warmth and power, Davis transitions from the mundane to the extraordinary, bringing “Pharaoh’s Story” to life with her resounding vocals. Lorenzo Rush Jr. embodies Pharaoh with charisma, embodying the nostalgic spirit of Elvis as he demands attention with commanding stage presence and dynamic moves.
The dazzling choreography weaves together diverse styles—from calypso, burlesque, to hoedown sequences—each dance echoing the upbeat joy inherent to the score. The production’s dance numbers reel the audience in, leaving them immersed and captivated. The raucous “Go, Go, Go Joseph” finale reflects this vivacious energy, likening it to “a pep rally at a rave,” demonstrating the inventive choreography Mak orchestrates throughout the show.
Audience members quickly find themselves caught up not only in the visual and auditory spectacle but also the broader familial themes presented throughout. When the parents narrate the story to their daughter, played by Avelyn Lena Choi and Lena Soszyinski, it showcases the timelessness of familial bonds across generations. This framing device breathes fresh life to the age-old tale, connecting audiences young and old alike.
This rendition of Joseph shines brightly, reflecting both the dynamic score and the modern interpretation of the storyline, filled with humor, drama, and exciting animation. The intoxiciously vibrant storytelling and performances at the Marriott Theatre not only serve as sheer entertainment but hold relevance to contemporary themes of family, rivalry, and the quest for redemption.
It’s remarkable how Marriott Theatre has thrived and managed to deliver such high-caliber productions for 50 years. The energy surrounding this current interpretation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is infectious, making it clear why this musical remains one of the most beloved pieces of theatre history.
The show’s vibrant palette, combined with the stellar cast and production team led by Amber Mak, sets the stage for both nostalgia and new memory-making, confirming its place as not merely a show but as part of the enduring legacy of theatre at Marriott Theatre.