Rancho Mirage Theater Review: JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Desert Theatricals at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater)

DESERT MUSICAL IS AN OASIS IN THE DESERT

I have often proclaimed that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best work was in his pre-1980 collaborations with Tim Rice. If you need proof or simply want to take in some amazing theater, then head to Desert Theatricals‘ last production of the season, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which closes on April 16 at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater. While Joseph was Rice and Webber’s second collaboration, it was the first of their musicals to be performed publicly, jump-starting their illustrious careers which continued with Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.

For those of you new to Joseph, it is an over-the-top, fun musical loosely based on Bible passages from the book of Genesis. In the show, the Narrator (Kelly McDaniel) retells the biblical tale of Joseph (Jayde Mitchell) to a group of children. McDaniel, who owns the stage in this production, magnificently guides the tale through multiple musical genres and powerful upbeat production numbers. Simply put, Joseph is the story of a young man who has a gift for deciphering dreams. In doing so, his brothers turn against him and sell him into slavery, which lands him in Egypt working for Potiphar (Michael Hamlin), and later, the Pharaoh (Jim Hormel). Ultimately, the show reminds people of all ages about the importance of daring to dream.

Desert Theatricals Producers Ray Limon and Joshua Carr, in partnership with City of Rancho Mirage, have assembled a flawless cast. Limon’s direction is razor-focused and efficient; he leverages the tremendous talent of each ensemble member and the principal performer. In particular, the men playing Joseph’s 11 brothers, performed by Koby Queenen, Michael Quinichett, Kellen Green, Manny Dela Rosa, Carlos Mendoza, Peter Zappia, Paul Zappia, Billy Franco, Alex Compomizzi, Xavier Brown, and Migueel Olivas are delightful. They all deliver fully fleshed-out characters with triple-threat skills and comedy chops on full display.

Jayde Mitchell lights up the stage as Joseph in his Desert Theatricals debut. Jim Hormel, who starred in Beauty and the Beast, had the audience in the palm of his hand with his Elvis-like hip gyrations during “Song of the King.” And  Michael Hamlin  charms the audience with his 1920s’ Charleston-style production number “Potiphar.”

With Carr at the helm, the Desert Theatricals orchestra has never sounded better. The simple set goes a long way letting the story, music and talent truly shine, and costumes provided by The Theater Company, Upland are spectacular.

Given that Joseph takes place in the deserts of Canaan and Egypt, it’s apt to spend a great evening of theater under the stars in Rancho Mirage.

photos by Jennifer Yount Photography

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Desert Theatricals
Rancho Mirage Amphitheater, 71560 San Jacinto Dr, in Rancho Mirage
Sun at 7:30 (gates open at 5:30); chairs are provided
ends on April 16, 2023
for tickets, visit  Desert Theatricals