CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Since their opening night on April 5, Hurricane Theatrical’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” has been incredibly successful! And the reason why is no mystery or surprise. Director Kyle Myrick and his amazing production team continue to bring family favorites to life in Southern Utah, and there are absolutely no complaints about that.

This Andrew Lloyd Webber classic has been a favorite since its release in the ’70s. The musical team of Webber and Tim Rice takes the story of Joseph in Egypt, an otherwise heavy and heart-wrecking one, and facilitates it through various styles of music. And while the styles may vary, the story remains constant.

It begins in Canaan with Jacob (portrayed by Nathan Merrill), who was “also known as Israel,” and his 12 sons. With his gift of what can only be called the Liberace coat of many colors, it’s clear for the audience and those onstage to see which of his sons is Jacob’s favorite: Joseph, brilliantly played by James David, who was recently seen as Jack Kelly in Disney’s “Newsies” performed at Hurricane Theatrical last year.

Now, it isn’t only Jacob’s obvious preference toward Joseph that sparks jealousy of his other 11 sons, but Joseph’s prophetic dreams also allude to Joseph rising above his brothers and being their leader. “Bad enough he’s Dad’s favorite, now he says he’s going to rule over us too? Yeah, not going to happen,” go the brothers’ minds as they attempt to kill Joseph, but instead decide to sell him into slavery.

One of the most beloved songs of the score, “One More Angel in Heaven,” sung by Kevin Purcell, who portrays brother Asher, is a fun country-themed moment in the show as the brothers convince Jacob that Joseph is dead, proven by his torn and bloodstained coat. Along with Purcell’s enjoyable mannerisms and quips is Karley Garrett’s gorgeous voice, which adds, quite simply put, angelic aid to Joseph’s tale of woe. After all, “it takes a man, who knows no fear, to wrestle … with a goat?”

Everyone mourns with Jacob until “Dad’s gone!” and the “grief” gives way to a raucous hoedown. While it seems that Jacob’s family is out of the picture, we and the ever-present narrator follow Joseph to Egypt, where he experiences triumphs and trials, one of which is his unjust sentence to prison.

It is in this darkest of moments that Joseph laments with “Close Every Door,” and David does not hesitate to make this iconic song his own in the best way possible. Given the nature of Joseph, this show is carried by the ensemble through their supporting vocals and dancing, but the two roles that are imperative to its success are Joseph and the Narrator, who is owned in every way by Jill Bearden.

Bearden is the lively bridge between the audience and the characters onstage and oftentimes between the characters themselves. Her voice shines through in the “Prologue” of the show and “Pharaoh’s Story” at the top of Act 2. And it’s interesting to note that not only does her voice and mannerisms literally tell the story, but her costumes do as well. In Act 1, she’s seen wearing black, as if to foreshadow the dark and hard times that are to befall Joseph. In Act 2, she wears gold, signifying the change in Joseph’s luck and that he “could become a star” as the Pharaoh brings Joseph out of prison.

And speaking of Pharaoh (played by Kyle Jacobsen, who also plays Joseph’s brother Simeon), what a fun number! Jacobsen was a live wire as he lit up the stage with his Elvis impression and completely disregarded the fourth wall in interacting with the audience and even the sound booth during “Song of the King.”

With Joseph’s “lucky break,” we then see how his family is faring in Canaan, and needless to say, everyone’s situation has been turned on its head, as is seen in the humorous “Canaan Days” sung by Reese Jacobsen. The story of Joseph and his brothers also has a full-circle effect in and of itself. When circumstances lead the brothers to Egypt in an attempt to alleviate their troubles, Joseph finally has a chance for revenge; “after all, they have tried fratricide.”

However, in “Benjamin Calypso,” wonderfully performed by Eric Humphries, the song shows a reversal of the situation of the brothers. The catalyst for the whole story is the selfishness of the brothers in condemning Joseph and demonstrating their selflessness to save Benjamin. In these efforts, Joseph sees how his brothers have truly changed and forgives them and brings the original Israelite family together again.

With an incredible set and phenomenal choreography, getting swept up in the fun that overlays this beautiful and heartbreaking story is effortless. Director Kyle Myrick has created a masterpiece by innovating characters and their connections to each other while maintaining the aspects of the show that make it a classic and a favorite. And while Joseph may not have “a chariot of gold,” the standard this production has set is just that — gold.

Come see how “Any Dream Will Do” at the Hurricane Fine Arts Center. This show, full of struggle, music and fun, closes May 11, with shows on Monday, Friday and Saturday, which also includes Saturday matinees. For more information, go to hurricanetheatrical.com, or call 435-668-9753.

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