Latest news with #JosephandtheAmazingTechnicolorDreamcoat
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat — Here's what it means to be wonderstruck
It might be centred on its titular golden boy, but now playing in Joburg is an iteration of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat that's a triumph of theatrical teamwork. Pushing beyond the perceived limits of the musical, it respectfully illuminates the material in brand-new ways. The rumours are true: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the show of the year. From the golden voice of the dreamboat playing Joseph to the gold lamé short-shorts worn by the ensemble in one of the show's many visually striking scenes, the latest South African production of this 50-year-old musical is a trove of precious moments. It has it all: grit, wit, pizzazz and punch. Plus tremendous behind-the-scenes chutzpah and superlative on-stage talent. There's an X-factor, too: real innovation, that extra-special something making sure that, by the time you skip into the foyer at interval, pulse elevated, adrenaline coursing, you know that all bets are off, that theatre still possesses the capacity to surprise and astonish. By the end of it all, you'll be racking your brain to figure out how they packed so much into a show that is over in the blink of an eye. Perhaps it's the gorgeousness of everyone and everything on stage; or maybe the sizzling arrangements of songs you're familiar with but which get a blast of mould-breaking energy. Perhaps it's the choreography that makes you want to hit the dance floor and the performances which, across the board, bring the house down again and again. Or maybe it's simply the beyond-all-expectation conceptualisation that's transformed something so familiar into a whole new beast, something that's fresh, funky and full of heart. Whichever of the show's visceral thrills it is that grabs you, it's a real soul-stirrer, too, a masterfully rendered translation of a very human story about an enlightened young man who ultimately possesses the wisdom – and the power – to forgive those who've wronged him. In the context of global events, particularly the conflagration in the region where this musical's events play out, there could hardly be a more apt allegorical lesson for humanity. Bold reinvention Barely a scene unfolds that does not in some way signal bold reinvention or cause a kind of recalibration. Directors Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (who know the musical inside out, having both performed in it) have created a show full of surprises, one that throws open the doors of imagination and from start to finish is an exhilarating reminder that there is nothing on Earth like live theatre. That of course sounds like hyperbole, but this entire show is hyperbolic, a seminal study in reaching deep and giving your all. It's what can happen when the whole team is on board. Each performer is so thoroughly, wholeheartedly invested. Whether it's Joseph's rascally brothers hamming it up with their hilarious fake mourning skills after they sell their too-handsome, too-clever, too-proud brother into slavery, or Potifer's wife (played by a foxy Yethu Kibi, outfitted in a beguiling leopard-print bodysuit) pulling a seduction number on still-innocent, still-learning Joseph. Dreamy Dylan Janse van Rensburg is a phenomenal Joseph: he sings like a dream, dances like a star and wears his role and his toned-down many-coloured coat and matching shorts with such dignity, then transforms just as comfortably into his velvet and then his golden threads as the costumes visually express his ascent up the food chain of power and influence. It is a beautiful performance in which the character's inherent goodness, wisdom and generous spirit manifest with such absolute clarity. From an altogether different school of charm is crowd-pleaser Christopher Jaftha, who (with and without his insane washboard abs) brings a trio of hilarious characters to life. His turn as Potifer is an absolute scream, a kind of jazzed-up Scrooge caricature, complete with velvet smoking jacket and a lust-filled wife filtered through the lens of Hollywood's Golden Age. Later, when he almost unrecognisably transforms into smoking-hot Pharaoh, he is either an Elvis impersonator channelling an Egyptian pharaoh, or an Egyptian king who dreams of being a Vegas rock star. Either way, he's sensational, his character so marvellously in love with himself he can barely open his mouth to get the words out, as if we're seeing an entirely reinvented King of Rock self-parody. It's a gorgeous play on uninhibited self-awareness, wonderfully finessed, wildly funny and shamelessly indulgent. And, in wonderful contrast to Jaftha's egomaniacal rock star, there's the effortless ease of Lelo Ramasimong, who plays the Narrator so enchantingly it's as though your favourite relative is telling you a life-affirming bedtime story. Life-affirming, too, is the score, given a sparkling reboot by musical supervisor Charl-Johan Lingenfelder, who has in the process of ferrying the music into a new era added a heart-thumping edge to the energetic numbers while retaining the poetry and lyricism of the more intimate songs. The result is transcendent; you leave the theatre feeling as though every cell in your body has been given a mood upgrade. Much of that full-system rewiring is thanks to the scorching choreography (Duane Alexander again, together with Jared Schaedler), which is in constant dialogue with the story and the music – so whether the cast is pulsing in glorious unison on the tips of their toes, or slinking comedically across the stage like eroticised servants who double as lounge lamps, the movements and dance steps constantly add narrative thrift and potency. There's much glitz and glam and razzle-dazzle, but there's plenty that's raw, gritty and offbeat that comes shining through, too. And there's an intimacy, an electric spark that's only truly possible in live performance, a feeling that the actors on stage are looking you directly in the eye, making a genuine connection. And there's that lump in your throat you get from knowing that these talented individuals – stars, each and every one of them – are performing just for you, that they've poured their hearts and souls and every fibre in their being into creating this wondrous experience just for you. You will feel the result of that commitment: the heat coming off the stage, the palpable rush of excitement and energy, the joyful intoxication. It is 2025's 'everything show', the one they'll be talking about long after those happy ear worms you take home with you have finally quietened down. DM
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bengaluru has so much potential; we just need to nurture it, says Kevin Oliver
When I was 19, I produced Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with friends, on a budget of `1,000. Since then, life has taken me to various cities and into different professional pursuits. But about four months ago, I decided I wanted to do something substantial in Bengaluru. It feels like a full circle moment to now come back,' says Kevin Oliver, musician, theatre director, fashion choreographer and Bengaluru boy, who has brought Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat to the city. Kevin's production offers a fresh interpretation of the classic, originally conceived by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice in the 1970s, now reimagined as India's first all-male pop opera. Excerpts: 'EVEN YEARS LATER, I LOVE THAT I CAN STILL SEE BENGALURU; IT'S NOT LOST' Back in the city after years, Kevin offers a refreshingly balanced perspective on Bengaluru. 'I just love where Bengaluru's gone, and I love that I can still see Bengaluru; it's not lost. People certainly complain about the traffic and so many trees being cut down, and of course, that's going to happen. The city has become insane; it's grown so big. Being here for a month and a half has been such a fabulous trip down memory lane and into the future because Bengaluru is a city that endures. And with all its madness, I love where Bengaluru's going,' he says. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru 'THERE'S A LOT OF COPY-PASTE HAPPENING TODAY' Kevin is also particularly critical of the lack of originality in the arts. 'Today, in the arts, there's a lot of copy-paste happening. I feel, especially in India, we tend to do a lot of copy and paste, especially in the fashion business. It's the old designers reshowing the same old stuff in different fabrics, with a multitude of sequins and crystals. For me, the fashion quotient and artistic part of it are a little bit lost. Every show looks the same; whether it's one designer or another, it looks the same to me. There's no innovation at all,' he says. 'BENGALURU HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER IN TERMS OF CREATIVE POTENTIAL' Speaking about Bengaluru's creative landscape, Kevin notes that the city is 'brimming with untapped potential'. 'The talent here is amazing, but it's disheartening to see the arts fading away so much around the world. The city has so much to offer in terms of creative potential; we just need to nurture it." The reason why we haven't achieved a certain standard in Bengaluru is purely because of the lack of support from corporates, groups. Everything is muddied Kevin Oliver JOSEPH GETS A COUTURE TWIST 'I wanted to marry fashion and music – something that has never been done in musicals. With Joseph, I wanted to bring an element of couture, right from the first image to the last image. I borrowed and begged from designers to lend me couture clothes and brought them down to Bengaluru. Key pieces in the show feature international branding, including Joseph's coat (left) which is 21 kgs of Swarovski crystal. It's my interpretation of where we've taken the story since its '70s origins,' says Kevin. 'I CHOSE AN ALL-MALE CAST BECAUSE…' But why an all-men cast? Kevin says, 'Joseph is very male. It's 12 brothers – it's very male-dominated. Men have such beautiful timbre in their voices – I wanted to showcase that, and so it became quite a natural fit for an all-male ensemble. (laughs) Of course, I had a lot of grumbling from the womenfolk, asking why I'd come back after so long to do an all-male musical. I said, 'Well, it was a twist. It wasn't planned; it was just about how I could make it fresh. ' And who knows, I might even do an all-female musical next time.' 'The musical follows a ninepart narrator format with 16 genre-fluid tracks and 100-plus male performers, aged 13–50, singing live from start to finish,' he adds.
The Hindu
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat back in Bengaluru, courtesy Kevin Oliver
Music and passion are always in fashion — add a touch of couture to the proceedings and you are bound to have a stunner. Kevin Oliver had staged Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 30 years ago in Bengaluru when he was a music teacher at Frank Anthony Public School. Now, he is bringing it back bigger and better than ever before. 'I've always wanted to bring out my version of this musical. There's nothing more challenging than taking a piece that has been so overused and transforming it completely,' says Kevin. Well, the upcoming musical has certainly piqued interest with news of its 100-strong, all-male choir ('Potiphar's wife is the only female part,' adds Kevin) and its spectacular dreamcoat doing the rounds. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was first produced as a musical in 1972, and went on to become one of the most popular pieces to be staged, adapted and reimagined. Back to the beginning 'Bangalore', as Kevin remembers it, 'used to be a city of music and art' and he was quite active on its cultural scene. 'I studied under Savitha Yates (a popular theatre personality in Bengaluru during the '80s) who advised me to try every genre of theatre, before going into musicals.' The training has held him in good stead. And train he did. Apart from music, which he was always passionate about, Kevin combined his background of theatre and dance with choreography and fashion. Soon, Dubai came calling and though he was heading a music school there and staging productions, it was also where he got a chance to hone his fashion skills. 'I've worked with some amazing designers there such as Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton, dressing the likes of Hugh Jackman, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Andreas Bocelli, among others,' says Kevin. However, he adds, 'One of the most ambitious and beautiful things I created was a 1,000-strong, girls choir which went viral for their performance of AR Rahman's Vande Mataram.' Home again Kevin says despite being away from Bengaluru, he always felt the need to give back to the community that gave him his start. 'I roped in Oum Pradutt, a former student of mine, and this collaboration fell into place.' 'I had left Bengaluru 35 years ago and wasn't sure if singers of today would even want to be a part of this musical, but I had to try. Then, at the audition as many as 450 people turned up and though they were all wonderful, I had to choose 100 for the cast.' 'We've got a range of voices — from a bass to a countertenor — literally every sound you can get with singers aged between 16 and 60.' Apart from having an all-male cast, Kevin's Joseph stands out for having with nine narrators, instead of a single female voice as in the original. And of course, the dreamcoat which has generated quite a buzz. 'Two of my friends from Dubai, who've done amazing work in the field of fashion, lent me garments that suited the characters. The dreamcoat, designed by Michael Cinco and Furne One Amato, weighs over 21 kilograms. It is made with different fabrics and covered with Swarovski crystals. It's like a chandelier on a guy's back.' Kevin says he is doubtful whether the likes of Broadway or West End have done something as elaborate and fashion conscious as his reimagining of Joseph. 'I'm hoping people love it as much as I do,' he says, even as he admits the creation is what his mind's eye had conjured up as Joseph's coat of many colours, Full circle And Oum Pradutt, the former student Kevin roped in? As a schoolboy in Frank Anthony's, he played a part in Catch, a musical Kevin had presented. 'I had no idea about musicals at the time, but auditioned all the same. Kevin thought I was a better dancer than a singer,' laughs Oum. As part of the main cast, Oum performed in a string of shows in Mumbai too, and was again cast as a dancer in Joseph when it was produced, travelling with the troupe wherever they performed. 'It was an incredible experience to gain such an exposure at that age, and at a time when engineering and medicine were considered the only avenues for a career.' Apart from the thrill of the spotlight, Oum says the experience gave him a chance to observe Kevin and his style of working at close quarters. 'He would not only look at the costumes, makeup, music and choreography personally, but also be involved in areas such as prompts, props, light and design. It was amazing to see what happened on stage and behind the scenes. That stayed with me for the longest time.' Oum went on to found Phase I in 1995, blending his corporate expertise with his passion for the creative arts and entertainment. 'I credit the existence of my company, now in its 30th year to Kevin's musicals, so I was truly glad of the chance to collaborate with him on Joseph.' 'We both saw this as a chance to give back to this city,' says Oum, adding that though there are a lot of events taking place in Bengaluru, musicals are quite rare. Going by his own lived experience, Oum and Phase I are ensuring school children will get a chance to witness the magic of a musical with discounted tickets. 'In other parts of the world, schools send their students to such events, providing them with experiential learning rather a textbook one. We are also bringing students from the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) to watch the show for free,' he says, adding theirs is a cause close to his heart. 'Growing up, I did not have such resources and if it were not for the exposure I gained at school, I would not be where I am today. Hopefully, these children too will be excited and inspired and pursue something amazing one day.' Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be staged at Good Shepherd Auditorium on July 17, 18 and 19. Tickets from ₹999 on bookmyshow.
Mint
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Planner: 5 events that pack a punch this week
Kallol Datta has always looked at the intersections of gender, history and politics in his textile practice. He carries these threads forward in his new solo, Volume IV: Truths, Half-Truths, Half Lies, Lies—his first at Experimenter's Colaba space in Mumbai and third with the gallery overall. The project came about after Datta came across edits and proclamations for women, which were circulated across the Korean Peninsula and Japan between the 16th and early 20th centuries. Their impact is felt even today. Through this show, Datta continues his investigation of the clothing practices of these places over time. At Experimenter, Colaba, Mumbai till 20 August, 10.30am-6.30pm (Tuesday to Saturday). Painting by Rashmimala, Oil palm tree, Elaeis guineensis 2025 Gallery Espace is presenting Vadodara-based artist Rashmimala's first solo, titled How We Breathe. The show includes recent works, which are centred around the vegetation and flora of the Capital and the North-East. Though she draws inspiration from the botanical drawings prevalent in the 18th-19th centuries, Rashmimala bases her documentation of vegetation in the 21st century. She looks at the resilience of nature, and its ability to heal itself, through examples of plants like ruderals, which grow easily on soil degraded by natural disasters or construction. At Gallery Espace, New Delhi, till 12 August, 11am-7pm (closed on Sunday). A promotional image for the 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' musical produced by Phase 1 World, Bengaluru. It's going to be a musical week for Bengaluru. For, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returns as an all-male pop opera, directed by music and theatre director Kevin Oliver and produced by Phase 1 World. With 16 songs spanning genres from energy rock anthems and pop grooves to semi-classical Indian melodies and Broadway ballads, and over 100 male vocalists performing, the production promises to be a sonic treat. Adding a grand element to things are Dubai's celebrated couturiers Michael Cinco and Furne One Amato. 'The visual centerpiece—the Dreamcoat itself—weighs over 21 kilos and features more than 30 fabrics and textures, crafted to shimmer, ripple, and evolve with every musical passage,' reveals the press note. At Good Shepherd Auditorium, Richmond Town, Bengaluru, 17 -19 July, 8pm. Tickets on Bookmyshow. Beef and Bone is on the limited edition Nikkei Menu by chef Randy Cultivo. Wabi Sabi at The Oberoi, Bengaluru is hosting a limited edition Nikkei Menu by chef Randy Cultivo. The menu, inspired by chef Cultivo's explorations of the cuisine and his travels around Peru, includes signature dishes like the Tiradito, Beef and Bone, The Wabi Sabi Sizzle and Ceviche de Atún with fresh jalapeño peppers. While vegetarian options include Fruit ceviche and Three carrots and H, desserts include Chimu Reimagined, Caviar Box and Flavours of Yutori. At Wabi Sabi at The Oberoi, Bengaluru, 10-27 July, for lunch and dinner. For reservations, call +91 80 2558 5858. The promotional poster for Superqueens directed by Vivek Mansukhani. On Sunday, The Piano Man is hosting 'Superqueens', touted as India's first-ever drag musical. Conceived as a cabaret-style theatrical experience, the 90-minute musical, according to the press note, takes the viewer on a 'hilarious, heartfelt and high-energy journey into the lives of five fierce drag queens in Delhi,' set to a soundtrack of Bollywood hits, club anthems, and pop classics. The cast features some of India's best-known drag artists: Lush Monsoon, Betta Naan Stop, Hash Brownie, Whacker Cracker and Sickk. The musical is directed by Vivek Mansukhani, choreographed by Shohini Dutta and Udisha Uniyal and written by Vivek Mansukhani, Aishwarya Ayushmaan, Teya and Prateek Sachdeva. At The Piano Man, Eldeco Centre, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, on 13 July, 8.30 pm. For details, visit
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Must-see theatre productions in Cape Town this week
Bizo Maxegwana in 'Diary of a Madman'. Image: Facebook. Diary of a Madman This play is an adaptation of Nikolai Gogol's classic tale that brings the story to life in modern-day Cape Town. Thabo Kani, a parliamentary secretary played by award-winning actor Bizo Maxegwana, becomes convinced he's destined for greatness, leading to comedic chaos as he navigates the complexities of power and sanity. When: Tuesday, July 15, until Saturday, July 19. Show times differ Where: The Masambe Theatre at the Baxter Theatre Centre. Blood & Silver This powerful adaptation of Jan Glazewski's memoir, 'One Map. One Promise. A Life Redefined', tells the epic story of Jan's journey from his childhood struggles with haemophilia to his determination to survive against all odds. He survives his childhood only to face new challenges as a young adult, including a contaminated blood transfusion and an HIV diagnosis and embarks on a perilous journey in search of the long-lost family treasure, armed with his father's hand-drawn map. The play stars David Muller and Fred Abrahamse. When: Runs until Saturday, July 12. Show times differ, depending on the day. Where: The Masambe Theatre at the Baxter Theatre Centre. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat A production of the beloved musical bursts with vibrant energy, dazzling choreography and unforgettable songs. Created by the legendary duo Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this fresh staging promises to captivate audiences of all ages with its talented cast and fresh creative vision. Leading the cast is Dylan Janse van Rensburg, alongside powerhouse vocalist Lelo Ramasimong as the narrator and Chris Jaftha as Pharaoh. When: Runs until Sunday, July 13. Show times differ. Where: Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay.
