The Mimes and Mummers lit up the stage this weekend with “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” This sung-through musical was a nonstop thrill, bursting with energy, laughter and the infectious enthusiasm of each and every performer. From the opening number to the final bow, the dynamic dance sequences and irresistibly catchy soundtrack had the audience clapping, cheering and practically dancing in their seats, making for an unforgettable theater experience.
Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is an old-school musical that offers a fresh, playful twist on the biblical tale of Joseph. One of the most unique aspects of the show is its ability to seamlessly blend various musical styles — from 1970s go-go to classic ’50s rock. This genre-hopping soundtrack perfectly complements the show’s vibrant and whimsical energy.
The performance kicked off with narrator Clare O’Connell, FCRH ’25, and president of Mimes and Mummers, guiding the audience through the story. With her captivating stage presence and impressive vocal range, O’Connell had the crowd hanging on her every note.
The majority of the cast was later introduced through the lively number “Jacob & Sons,” where we meet the protagonist, Joseph, played by Sam Howe, FCRH ’27. Though this was his very first Mimes and Mummers production, Howe wowed the crowd with his powerful vocals, magnetic stage presence and heartfelt emotion. The production also featured Quinn Lesniak, GSB ’28, another newcomer to Mimes and Mummers, as Joseph’s father, Jacob, alongside Joseph’s eleven brothers, all residing together in their home in Canaan.
At the show’s start, Howe’s character Joseph was showered by his father’s affection and gifted with the coat of many colors. Overcome with jealousy, the brothers decided to kidnap Joseph and sell him to merchants as a slave. Joseph was then forced to work in the household of Egyptian millionaire, Potiphar, played by Jake Maglio, FCRH ’26. When Potiphar’s wife, portrayed by Rebecca Lothson, FCRH ’26, attempted to seduce Joseph, he refused her advances. However, after Potiphar discovered the two together, he falsely accused Joseph of misconduct and had him imprisoned.
While in prison, Joseph was soon recognized for his ability to interpret dreams. This piqued the interest of the most powerful man in Egypt, Pharaoh, played by Bridget Godfrey, GSB ’27, who sought help deciphering his troubling visions of cows and ears of corn. Godfrey brought a lively and playful energy to the stage with her Elvis Presley-inspired portrayal. Decked out in a white jumpsuit covered in red rhinestones, she strutted and hip-swiveled her way through “Song of the King (Seven Fat Cows),” delivering a fun and unforgettable performance.
After meeting the Pharaoh, Joseph interpreted his dreams as a warning of an impending seven-year famine. Impressed by his wisdom, the Pharaoh appointed Joseph as his second-in-command, entrusting him with the responsibility of Egypt’s food supply. Meanwhile, back in Canaan, Joseph’s brothers struggled through the harsh famine, a moment captured in the French-style ballad “Those Canaan Days.” This number was led by Simeon, portrayed by a Mimes regular Ian Colton, GSB ’27. With heartfelt emotion, Colton’s performance had the audience captivated. His rich vibrato and exaggerated French accent added a layer of charm and humor to the scene, making it one of the show’s most memorable moments.
After discussing his experience with the show, Colton shared that the most rewarding part was “watching it all come together behind the scenes.” As a member of the Mimes e-board, he gets an inside view of the effort that goes into the lighting, props, costumes and stage management. Colton emphasized how “incredible” it is to witness the dedication of everyone involved, pointing out that “so much of the work the audience never sees,” with even the smallest moments taking hours of preparation.
In the second act, desperate for food, the brothers traveled to Egypt in search of supplies and came face-to-face with Joseph, though they initially failed to recognize him. Joseph provided them with sackfuls of food but secretly planted his gold chalice in his brother Benjamin’s knapsack to test his family’s loyalty. When the chalice was discovered, the brothers pleaded for Benjamin’s innocence and even offered to take his place in prison. Moved by their selflessness, Joseph revealed his true identity and joyfully reunited with his family. The show concluded with the lively song “Joseph Megamix,” a fun and upbeat finale to a truly unforgettable performance.
Alongside the actors’ exceptional portrayals, another standout element of the show was the costume and set design. The creative set featured a V-shaped catwalk that extended into the audience, allowing actors to dance and interact with the crowd, which added a sense of intimacy to the performance. At the heart of this V-shaped area was a live orchestra, consisting of student volunteers from both the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses, creating quite an immersive experience for the audience.
The costumes were crucial to the show’s visual appeal. Assistant costume designer Lilah Spedding, GSB ’27, mentioned the challenges of creating costumes on a limited budget, especially given the show’s costume-heavy nature. Nevertheless, she relished the creative process, describing how she had the chance to “re-learn how to sew, crochet, and, the most fun, bedazzle.” She mentioned that “seeing a creative vision come to life through ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ was one of the most rewarding experiences this semester!”
More than 50 years after its debut, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” continues to captivate and delight audiences. With their rendition, the Mimes and Mummers once again surpassed expectations, delivering a mesmerizing, hilarious and high-energy performance that left a lasting impression on all of those who attended.
