It may have been the go-go dancers in their white knee-high boots, or perhaps it was the infectious melody of the song, but by the time the cast of the Poplar Pike Playhouse’s latest production got to the final chorus of the song “Go, Go, Go Joseph” the entire audience seemed to be singing along.

Go, go, go Joseph you know what they say
Hang on now Joseph you'll make it some day
Sha la la Joseph you're doing fine
You and your dreamcoat ahead of your time

Whether you’re a musical theatre buff or not, this is just one of the many songs you will find yourself singing along with during the month of May. The PPP’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opened on Thursday, May 5th revealing an astounding and, well, amazing, show. The PPP players have done it again!

The PPP and Joseph must be a winning combination. The show was originally performed at the Playhouse in 1983 with a cast who continued to develop their talents over time. Alumni of the show include world-renowned vocalist Susan Marshall and “Saturday Night Live” star Chris Parnell. Although the students on the stage of the PPP in this production aren’t famous…yet…they do an incredible job telling this well-known Biblical story.

Straight from the book of Genesis Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has a strong storyline, but it’s not told through dialogue like most shows. This musical uses only its songs to tell the story.

Leading the audience through the many ups and downs of Joseph’s life is the attitude-rich narrator, played by the powerful Courtney Mickens. The Narrator uses her soulful voice to guide the audience from the betrayal of Joseph by his brothers to the day he rises to be one of the most provential rulers of ancient Egypt. Throughout the story audiences will undoubtedly be entertained by her sweet and sour sides: one minute she is sympathizing with Joseph and the next she is cracking the audience up by teasing him! Mickens portrays this character with energy and spirit, showing off a different side of this traditionally laid-back character.

The subject of the narrator’s famous story is Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, who is envied by his eleven brothers. PPP veteran Jeffrey Ingram’s striking voice and passion help him to deliver a captivating performance. Ingram not only commands the stage with his voice but uses his character’s loveable personality to win the hearts of the house.

Adding a humorous twist to this otherwise well-known story is the Pharaoh of Egypt, also known as “The King.” In need of a dream interpreter Pharaoh calls upon Joseph. When the interpretations prove accurate, Joseph is made a ruler of Egypt and a close friend to Pharaoh. Ryan Sweeney takes this traditionally Elvis-inspired role and runs with it. His deep voice and suave moves make the house shake along with a few knees!

Although Joseph has eleven brothers, they seem to act as one character, with each adding his own personality slightly to the mix. The brothers have the most diverse musical roles in the show, singing songs ranging in style from the country number “One More Angel In Heaven” to the French cartine song “Those Canaan Days” and even a calypso dance song “Benjamin Calypso.” The brothers, played by Brian Berry, Boomer Brigman, Scott Byers, Stuart Downing, Danny Gomez, Milton Humes, Archie Mitchell, Mario Pendarvis, Jacob Strong, Tucker Wade, and Anthony White, do a phenomenal job showing a multitude of emotions all perfectly captured through song and dance.

Two larger than life characters are Joseph’s father Jacob and his slave master Potiphar. Deven Mckay’s Jacob is an overly consumed dad who makes no secret of his “favored son” attitude toward Joseph. Potiphar (Raphael Onwu) is a money-grubbing luxury-obsessed slave keeper. His comic timing and facial expressions help bring his scene to life. Potiphar’s wife (Gina Micheletti) proves alluring and is fun to watch on stage as she chases after the hapless Joseph. Equally fun are the butler (Patrick Warren) and baker (Wesley Cox), Joseph’s cellmates who find out their ultimate fate through Joseph’s prophetic powers.

Even though this isn’t the first time the Poplar Pike Playhouse has staged Joseph, through the creative vision of director E. Frank Bluestein and co-director Leonid Mazor, and associate Ashleigh Williams, a lively and unique show has been created that is sure to thrill audiences. With precise timing and tone from musical director, Mary Lee Gilliland, the cast sang each exciting song with energy and intensity. Conductor Lanny Byrd and his skilled orchestra tackled the many musical styles throughout the show. Choreographer Elizabeth Anne Brown and associate choreographer Ashleigh Williams did an outstanding job creating multiple dance styles. The “One More Angel in Heaven” dance climax was one of the many crowd pleasers.

The costume crew, led by Brenda Bluestein, Alyce Anne Chism, Lynette Gilbert, Amy Hagan, Gail Ridenhour, and Casey Smith, created over two hundred stunning costumes, including Joseph’s breathtaking coat of many colors. Scenic designer Mary K. VanGieson and set supervisors Jack House and Joe Haslwanter brought together a phenomenal set, featuring three turntables and a number of other custom set pieces which were brought on and off stage smoothly thanks to stage managers Layne Barton and Samantha Scherer. Shirley Evans and Claire Haslwanter led the Playhouse again in making delightfully creative props for each scene. Ernie Newborn’s make-up was outstanding, particularly the Go-Go wigs and the outrageous Elvis hairdo. Featuring a huge sun shaped backdrop complete with golden rays, one of the most astounding elements of the show is the lighting, created by lighting directors Nathan Babian and Ryan Adams, with technical assistance from Steven Weeks and John Elmer.

After leaving the theatre audiences will surely be talking about the Amazing Poplar Pike Playhouse! So don’t miss out, this is a show you won’t want to miss!

Tickets for Joseph are now on sale. The show runs through May 21st. For information, call the Poplar Pike Playhouse box office at 755-7775 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. The Poplar Pike Playhouse is the theatre complex located on the campus of Germantown High School. The corporate sponsor for the production is Trust One Bank.