Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: author Palladium Cast Recording
Album Details
Digitally Remastered Edition of the 1991 Original Cast Album of the Hit saint histrion Webber Musical featuring Pop and Stock Aitken Waterman Star Jason Donovan in the Lead Role. Includes Full Libretto and Deluxe Packaging…. More >>
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: author Palladium Cast Recording
This is a great CD if you are doing this musical for your school play. I liked this CD because it had some great music and had pictures of this musical, and a packet full of lyrics to the show. The guy who’s palying joseph(Jason Donovan) had a stict londen voice which sounded good but it didn’t sound as good as Donny Osmand or Michael Damian. Also to me, the people singing the Joseph Remix seemed not exciting and dead compared to the other CDs of Joseph. Still, if you would like the original Londen new cast of Joseph, buy it!
There are actually 3 recorded versions of this production of Joseph, and the listener’s choice basically comes down to which “Joseph” lead they like. Donny Osmond appears on the Canadian recording (and the video, made later with a different cast), soap actor Michael Damian leads the U.S. cast recording, and this present CD features British pop star Jason Donovan. All 3 discs are virtually identical in terms of instrumental tracks, and feature slight variations by individual cast members regarding vocal style, interpretation, etc. I would recommend this British cast recording as the best of the three. Jason Donovan best personifies the young handsome dreamer, with a vocal innocence and charm that the other 2 recordings do not quite deliver. Donny Osmond is an excellent singer of course, but I could not quite separate his real-life persona from the Joseph character. And Michael Damian, although he looks the part, has a breathy, smooth voice that is often overshadowed by the other cast members. In order of preference then, I would rate these as 1) Jason Donovan, 2) Donny Osmond, 3) Michael Damian. But any of the 3 are still a fun souvenir of this lighthearted musical.
I wanted the cd because I really enjoyed the show, but the performances here below average. I had to stop listening because the female narrator’s voice is painful to listen to and unless you enjoy “electronic” music – do not purchase this version.
Years ago, my family went on a vacation to Utah, and saw “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” done by the Utah Shakespeare festival. And then 9 years later, my summer stock theatre company in Blacksburg decided to put that very play on. I bought this CD in preparation for my audition, and after accepting the part I tried out for, I STILL can’t get enough of it. The seven fat cows song is a great number. When you hear the songs in this show, it’s hard not to snap your fingers. I would also like to add that “Benjamin Calypso,” would be a great song for Harry Belafonte to cover, if he’s still performing.
Although produced in 1991, this recording is certainly timeless. Excellent vocals and orchestration. Such a variety of musical formats based on the ageless Biblical story of Joseph, becomes more than just a story, but engages us musically and dramatically, as well. Joseph’s journey away from his self-indulgence toward becoming a humble instrument and his ultimate reunion with his family is the pivot of the storyline. Fun, humorous, and dramatic, this CD is well-worth a purchase and many listenings. Andrew Lloyd Webber rocks!