Kamehameha Drama Club is lifting spirits and touching hearts with a playful, polished production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." With catchy tunes by Andrew Lloyd Webber, top notch directing by Camille Romero and a sensational cast of 16 students, this timeless Old Testament tale bursts to life on the Keopuolani Hale stage.
The show tells the story of the dreamer Joseph whose jealous brothers sell him into slavery in Egypt, where he discovers that dreams can come true, even under the most impossible circumstances. The upbeat music, tight choreography, bright costumes and hilarious handmade props have the audience laughing and grinning from the very beginning and singing along by the end.
The cast is simply phenomenal. The vocals would be impressive in an adult production; coming from high school performers, the power and consistency of the solos and chorus numbers is stunning.
Article Photos
Narrator Rachel Bega and Pharaoh Ryan Foree share a moment during 'Song of the King.'
Kamehameha Schools Maui photo
Narrator Rachel Bega guides us through Joseph's journey with a gorgeous, expressive voice. Her star power lifts the quality of the entire production.
Wesley Ki'aha plays a loveable Joseph with rich solo numbers and fun physicality. He tugs at heartstrings with a moving performance of "Close Every Door," sung from a prison cell when Joseph's life hits rock bottom. The joy in his face lights up the stage when he sings "Any Dream Will Do."
With loads of chutzpah and dramatic flair, Ryan Foree is a crowd favorite as Pharaoh, who channeles Elvis in a hip-swinging rendition of "Song of the King." Joseph's eldest brother Rueben leads the clan in two hilarious songs, "One More Angel in Heaven" and "Benjamin Calypso," wonderfully performed by Alana Song. Kaili Mossman delivers vocal power with a nostalgic French twist as Zebulon in "Those Canaan Days."
The supporting characters and chorus are fabulous across the board. Mason Pellazar is Jacob, the patriarch of the clan. James Krueger plays Potiphar, Joseph's Egyptian slave-owner, and Kalani Ruidas plays Potiphar's frisky wife. Hoku Krueger and Nahulu Nunokawa are the baker and butler Joseph meets in prison. Kapa'ia Gormley, Kamalani Makua and Ty Nakama play Joseph's brothers Issachar, Asher and Gad. Amber Kama, Lexis Viena and Lindsay Watson make up the female chorus.
Tana Larson directs the music, Andr Morissette designed the costumes and Caro Walker created the set.
Anyone who likes a good musical will absolutely love Kamehameha's delightful production.
* "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" shows 7:30 Friday and Saturday at the Keopuolani Hale on the Kamehameha Maui campus. Admission is free. For more information, call 573-7285.
