Circa 21's ‘Joseph’ is a dream come true

By Jami R. Smith

It was as if the Lord was smiling down upon the opening night production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island. The sub-zero weather had finally lifted and a mild night was forecast — unusual for the theater’s January opening night show.

But the heavenly weather was only one manifestation of this blessed production and it’s easy to see why the Almighty is happy to help see this show go on. Simply put, this show just makes you feel good.

It is a Musical with a capital “M.” And the music is jaw-dropping. It’s continual — there is no spoken dialogue. The story is delivered through lively numbers featuring all the best musical genres. From country and Elvis to acid-rock, we are taken on a harmonious journey of Biblical proportions.

Director/Choreographer Ann Nieman does it again with this raucous production. She has the chops — having directed it three of the four times Circa presented it. We can always count on a delightful show when Nieman’s name — along with Circa fave Tom Walljasper — is listed in the program.

I never tire of seeing Walljasper in any show. Upon arrival, I always check to see if he and Tristan Layne Tapscott are performing. And Walljasper delights us once again with his performances as Jacob and Pharoah-as-Elvis (or was it Rod Blagojevich???)

Don Denton plays Joseph and delivers a fantastic performance with unwavering vocals.

He knows how to sing “cute” and doesn’t hold back. Denton previously played the lead roles in “Wonderful Life” and “The Full Monty” (my personal favorite!). He stands out in “Close Every Door” and inspires us with his heartfelt delivery.

Jennifer Stone steps up to the extreme vocal demands of the Narrator with confidence and stage presence. She controls the story and action. I found myself watching her to see what was going to happen next. Her talents are showcased in “Megamix” — where her vocal range was tested — and she shatters glass.

My favorite numbers were “Potiphar” featuring Nick Madson as a king with a heart and “One More Angel in Heaven” — the first Old Testament cowboy song I ever heard, Pardner.

The previously mentioned Tapscott and Joseph J. Baez deserve honorable mention along with all the phenomenal actors playing the nasty brothers of Joseph. I loved the French café-esque “Those Canaan Days” featuring these extremely talented men. They make it look so easy…so they have to be good.

The Biblical story of Joseph itself is rather gruesome and black-hearted — the Old Testament never holds back. But you can’t get too depressed about the story — the music just won’t let you.

The costumes are amazing — from the wives in their gold-lame mini-dresses with a sexy slit up the back — to the brothers and servants swirling about the stage in all the colors of the rainbow.

Finally, the children’s choir is a huge part of the fun. Several different choirs are participating in this production. On opening night, the Circa '21 Children’s Choir performed and the energy of those kids bursts out from the stage — contributing to the overall positive vibe of this colorful and exciting show.

This is a wonderful offering from the Dinner Playhouse and I whole-heartedly recommend it for the entire family.

Here’s what you need to know:

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” runs through March 20. Performances are on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Ticket Office: Call 309 786 7733, ext 2.

Online: circa21.com

You can also get a detailed listing online of the upcoming season at Circa ‘21 — including the next show “Church Basement Ladies 2: a Second Helping” starting March 26. Gift certificates are always available for purchase.



Jami Smith is the Herald’s local theater reviewer and a sales representative at the Clinton Herald. She can be contacted at jamirsmith@clintonherald.com

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