Any Dream Will Do
Pat Cerasaro
What began merely as a brief pop cantata for an all-boys school in 1968, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT signaled the unlikely beginning one of the most successful collaborations in theatre history with the partnership of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice. Followed by an expanded iteration of the famed Bible-based tale via a concept album released the next year, JOSEPH has gone on to become one of the most oft-performed musicals in regional theaters and school settings in the 50 years since its humble debut. Expanding the material to a full-length evening came soon after the rapturous reception enjoyed by the concept recording, with the final version of the show unveiled in the West End in 1974, shepherded by legendary impresario Robert Stigwood. The show arrived on Broadway in 1982 and several hit revivals and touring productions have popped up frequently around the world ever since.
A revised production of JOSEPH originally presented in 1991 became the basis for the modern version of the musical, featuring a showstopping megamix at the conclusion highlighting many of the most memorable tunes from the earworm-packed song-list. Possessing Lloyd Webber's most effervescent and lively score to date, the eminently enjoyable song-stack is also pleasingly overflowing with characteristically witty and amusing lyrics from Rice's adept pen. Given the supremely entertaining material and the opportunity for more than a dozen delightful performance turns, the enduring popularity of the show is quite simple to comprehend.
Now, Lloyd Webber has announced that a fresh new production will arrive once again at the iconic London Palladium for a limited engagement in honor of its 50th anniversary, kicking off next June. Cast and creative team is expected to be announced soon. Having hosted the musical for two previous smash revivals, the beloved musical will be right back where it belongs proving once again that any dream will do.