by David Miller
SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO – Under the strict Global Warming regulations in the state of California, Arnold the Terminator would surely ban Loveland High School Drama Department's performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat that premiers tonight.
It's hot.
At the final dress rehearsal with full costume and makeup on Tuesday, it was high energy, non-stop, near perfect execution of complicated and compelling choreography and dance that soared the temperature of the auditorium. It should be sub-titled, Joseph and the Amazing Choreography. Its not only the dance scenes or during the major Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber songs, but at every step between, that the cast of seventy-six knows where to be and presents a visually appealing, and most often a 3-D symmetry that must have been worked out in an advanced geometry class. How else would you know where you wanted seventy-six actors that are constantly on the move? The question remains however, how do you rehearse enough to manage to have seventy-six, many very young children, get to the right place on stage, time and time again, with such precision.
A very sparse set, that rarely changes except for lighting effects and smoke, is only subtle eye candy, for it is the large cast itself that becomes the set behind the main singing roles. However, despite all of the on-stage energy of the supporting cast and the dazzling display of colorful costumes, you never lose attention to the immediate details of the story.
You shouldn't spend too much time contemplating who the star of this show is, because there isn't a weak part. Those with major solos are all very, very strong and pleasing voices.
During the dress rehearsal on Tuesday, there was only one time I was jarred back to reality with a mis-step in the production, and it was very late in the second act. All of these players, including the lighting, sound technicians were right on cue and near flawless. A remarkable accomplishment for a rehearsal.
There is an on-stage Children's Chorus of thirty-three with some really sweet voices that compliment the high schoolers singing, and make it whole.
Entering the theater, and setting up the step-ladder where I perched to take photos, I was a little disconcerted because there was no set-up for the pit orchestra as is usual for these musicals. However, it wasn't but a very few minutes into the production that I confirmed at least to myself that using a sound tract instead, was a perfect choice.
Dream Coat premiers tonight at 7:30 PM at Loveland High School, and runs through Sunday.
March Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM
Also, Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM
Tickets information: e-mail catscatscats@cinci.rr.com or by calling 774-9320
To view photos from the dress rehearsal, dance on over HERE.
