Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Production values and instrumentation are modest in both scale and panache, certainly far more modest than the Paramount Theatre's much more spectacular and vastly superior "Joseph" that played in Aurora only and proved the ongoing appeal of this proven material for families to enjoy together, especially when a story is actually told."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...The changes are evident from the start. Before the show even begins we see Joseph, a typical high school kid, sleeping under a colorful quilt, with the elaborate video projections of Daniel Brodie dancing like “dreams” in his head. Soon, he is heading off to the library to research another big dreamer, his biblical namesake. The pages flip, electronic style, and then it’s the job of the Narrator to take over the story about Jacob (William Thomas Evans), the Hebrew patriarch, and his 12 sons."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...Well, the storyline is easy enough to follow. It's the tale of Joseph from the Old Testament: how his 11 jealous brothers sold him into slavery, unintentionally starting him on his way to a place of power at the court of the Egyptian pharaoh. And the music is surprisingly spritely, considering that Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote it. (He was young and relatively hot-airless at the time.) What's more, this touring version is sweet and playful, bright, energetic, and very efficient at 110 minutes, with video projections that--unlike those in so many other road shows--actually help tell the story."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat unfolded in a lively performance. The audience approved of the performers .Through the clear message that Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat gives: shoot for your dreams and never giving up - that is the least you can do. The show is entertaining. It will leave you humming the tunes on the way out. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is still a hit show that you don't want to miss."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...One of the first collaborations for the amazing talents Tim Rice ( Lyrics) and Andrew Lloyd Webber ( Music) was “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and after all these years, this , the first of what some might call the “Rock Musical” continues to please audiences, both young and old and of even greater importance, religious and/or not!. It is of course the story about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son that blends the bible story with music from many areas: of course Rock, but also Country/Western and pop as well as the Musical Theater music type."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...But it’s the supremely executed choreography that almost steals this production away from the catchy Webber score. Blankenbuehler’s flashy
electropop and hip hop dance moves are generously peppered with acrobatics and steps borrowed from classical and folk dance. His cast
skillfully executes every move with confidence and beauty, making this production as much fun as an extended episode of “So You Think You Can Dance” featuring a really fun, catchy theatrical score."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Somewhat Recommended
"... “Joseph” has a large cast but it’s still an intimate show and the large Cadillac Palace stage area does the production no favors. The revival goes high tech, gussied up with gaudy projections and lighting effects that attempt to disguise the elementary road show set and props. The cast is young and enthusiastic, and the choreography is vigorous. But there is insufficient charm, and the tongue in cheek humor is only intermittent."
The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended
"...Despite the lackluster look, the cast brings high energy shtick. The best number of the night is “Those Canaan Days.” The song is the brothers lamenting about their bad luck following Joseph’s exit. The kitschy humor and harmony is delivered with zest. During the show, the collective singing is better than the solo moments. Some of the cast struggle with pitch or power. Their lines are swallowed whole by the orchestra rocking out to Webber’s lively score. The exuberant Ace Young (Joseph) has the necessities covered. His smile dazzles as do his abs. His dancing and singing seem to be contained. The cast move in unison around his planted stance. And even though he sings within a limited vocal range, he still induces shivers with his soulful “Close Every Door” and hopeful “Any Dream will Do.”"
