lacomedia show

"Joseph" shines brightly at LaComedia

The third time is the charm for LaComedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro.
Returning once again for its third engagement in its 34-year LaComedia history, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is a colorful, zestful and lighthearted musical version of the Biblical retelling of Joseph, the youngest son of Jacob who is sold into slavery by his band of brothers.
Under the sure handed direction of Chris Beiser, the two-act production weaves energetic dance numbers and more than a dozen tunes into the Joseph's journey. In his LaComedia debut, Ryan LaTour is a confident singer and fine actor in the lead role. Newcomer Emily Mattheson -- also in her LaComedia debut -- is solid as the narrator and excellent as a singer.
Sure enough, the creative show works in some robust surprises, none more appealing then Brian Peterson with his "King of Rock" performance as the Pharaoh. Peterson, with the appropriate black wig and sideburns, wins over the audience with his over-the-top portrayal of Elvis Presley, complete with tunes like "Song of the King."
Other noteworthy tunes include "One More Angel in Heaven," "Stone the Crows" and "Any Dream Will Do."
One quibble focuses on the show's optimistic conclusion. No problem at all with the ending song, just the curtain call, which is a bit confusing in its current form. The audience is uncertain when to clap for the performers, most of whom are dressed differently than in the show.
Overall, how er, "Joseph" does it is suppose to do. It succeeds as an upbeat tale of good and evil, with the good guys on top in the end.
The LaComedia production of "Joseph" continues through Nov. 1 For ticket information, call (800) 677-9505.