Amazing ‘Joseph’

Driftwood takes the gold, rings the bell, hits the jackpot.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” plays all over the place but not like it does these days at the Wade James in Edmonds. This one is straightforward, stylish and particularly significant for our time this holiday season.

The story is based on the biblical account of Joseph, one of Jacob’s twelve sons.

Joseph’s brothers do him wrong when they sell him to the Egyptian merchant, Potiphar, for being their father’s favorite. The story is about Joseph’s ups, downs and restoration to his birthright. It’s held up for centuries and still does.

But Tim Rice’s Lyrics and Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Music are what make it timely in today’s world. Their songs draw from a potpourri of American pop music. Rock, country, swing, blues, you name it, “Joseph” is meant to generate excitement.

And Driftwood gets it.

A thrilling voice and winning manner make Jason M. Martin Jr.’s Joseph everybody’s favorite son. You like him, you care about him. A Barack Obama who’d get your vote.

Biblical storyteller Laurie A. Miller sings the narrative with a smooth blend like expensive whiskey of seasoned wisdom and timely savvy. Miller’s is the voice of the ages tempered with today’s sensibility. Standout performance.

Show highlighting Michael McFadden translates Pharaoh of Egypt into an Elvis “The King” who shakes, rattles and rolls Joseph into interpreting his dream and thereby gain social celebrity. A crowd pleaser that dynamites the Wade James.

A sizzling temptation of Joseph to sin with her is danced by a steamy Kimberly Durham as Potiphar’s wife. Durham’s hot.

Oren Mauldin and ensemble bring a hilarious, Parisian slant to “Those Canaan Days,” a nostalgic lyric during the years of Egypt’s famine that longs for the good old days of plenty.

Director Loren Reynolds brings together the rich mix of Carissa Meisner Smit’s choreography, Joanne Branch’s astute scenic interpretations of ancient Egypt, the Old West and life on the desert and Rachel Bowen and Vanessa Bugge’s imaginatively fashioned costume designs.

Musical direction by Loren Reynolds is inspired.

This is a first class production of a major musical and probably the best I’ve seen by Driftwood. Last Sunday’s matinee was packed and rightly so.

Do yourself a favor this holiday season. See something solid, happy and with something to say. The message is: peoples from different cultures can come together.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reactions? Comments? E-mail Dale Burrows at grayghost7@comcast.net.