Long before “Jesus Christ Superstar” was a even a dream, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber dreamed another kind of dream, something simpler and quieter, yet more filled with joy. It was something people of all skill levels and ages could perform. The show, initially created for a school in 1967, is “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” It is a perfect fit for the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture’s J*Company Youth Theatre, which performs it with an enormous company of young people through March 13 at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. Like Joseph’s coat, the performers are of assorted colors, ethnicities and religions. To see them perform, to witness their joy, to bathe in the enthusiasm of an auditorium filled with well-wishers of even greater diversity, is to go home believing once again in brotherhood and the magic of theatre. Readers raised on the Old Testament story of a boy beaten, robbed and sold into slavery by his own brothers will appreciate the underlying story and Rice’s wry interpretation. It is not blasphemous, and it sure is fun hearing the multi-genre score, which includes, calypso, French cabaret songs, rock and even a country western hoedown (“One More Angel in Heaven,” a production number well-led by 15-year-old Scott Peterson as Reuben”). The tunes one goes home singing include “Jacob & Sons,” sung by an excellent, in tune, vocally thrilling ensemble comprising Jacob, Joseph, the three narrators, the brothers, their wives and all the rest. Also stuck in one’s head is Joseph’s “Any Dream Will Do.” The principals range in physical size from tiny (adorable 10-year-old Megan Spector as the ill-fated Baker) to immense (Jacob Davis, 17, who does a hilarious Elvis interpretation as Pharaoh). Shulamit Nelson’s costumes are colorful indeed, and Chris Plonka’s scenic and lighting design adds colorful charm. Special mention must be made of the adept direction of Jason Chase, who conducted the most recent “Joseph” tour at the Civic Theatre. Kudos also to Deven Brawley for his clever choreography, which suits the varying talents on display and ranges from infectious for the huge ensemble to more difficult for the wives. The most wondrous element is 18-year-old Daniel Myers as Joseph. A reviewer sees many Josephs and Technicolor coats, and numerous performances by local youth. Vocally, Myers ranks among the best, whether young or more seasoned. Rebecca Myers, Daniel’s 14-year-old sister, is a familiar presence on the local scene as well. To see her blossom from pre-pubescence into a poised young woman of vocal fearlessness is the evening’s unexpected joy. I knew these siblings were good, but why didn’t someone prepare me for their excellence? They and the show are stunning exemplars of what is possible in the creative lives of San Diego youth. The show is a message about the importance of the arts in our lives and in the lives of our children. Let’s hope someone is listening.
