The Michigan Daily - Friday, September 20, 1996 - 9
Webber' s Dreamcoat'
amazes children of all ages
Reverend Horton Heat preaches tonight at Pontiac's holy Sanctum ...
and you had better grease up and get out there
By Tyler Patterson
Daily Theater Editor
There is a voice of criticism from a portion of theater-goers
that certain musicals, while full of spectactular stage-effects
and brilliant vocal performances, give nothing so far as sig-
nificant storylines and profound thematic claims. "Joseph
"and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," an Andrew Lloyd
''Webber musical based on the Biblical story in Genesis
Chapters 37 to 46, is one musical that has received such crit-
icism.
The Livent, Inc. production now
showing at the Fox Theater in down- ..R
town Detroit does nothing to dispel any
*of this criticism. It does, however, serve
a special purpose. By involving local
children's choirs in slightly more than
cosmetic roles, this production of
"Joseph" makes an effective and powerful effort for the
industry of theater to establish its roots among children. The
children acting as an audience for the Narrator (Robin Lyon)
gives the opening sequence a Sunday school feel and sets the
tone for the musical to come.
The point of this musical, which began as a 20-minute
Cntertainment sketch for a London prep school's award cere-
ony in 1968, is more of a celebration of itself and musicals
in general. The reception its original showing received by the
London Sunday Times caused Webber and lyricist Tim Rice
to expand and record it into a form similar to today.
The lead role of Joseph, originally assigned to Donny
Osmond who had to bow out due to a ruptured vocal chord,
instead was given to Sam Harris who worked the Joseph role
for the American touring production. Harris' performance
was powerful and inspiring. Belting out the final notes from
songs like "Close Every Door" and "Any Dream Will Do,"
one thought perhaps that his vocal chords would rupture, yet
I
he continued to punch every song home.
Perhaps the most distinguishable feature of Webber's first
musical was the incredible diversity of the songs. Webber
ranged from gospel-esque with refrains from the Narrator to
Country-Western with "One More Angel in Heaven" to an
Elvis-style rendition of "Song of the King" to calypso with
"Benjamin Calypso" to finally the French chanson-style
"Those Canaan Days."
The, lyrics, written by Tim Rice who also worked on
"Aladdin" and "The Little Mermaid,"
are at many points humorous, as well as
touching, like "Do what you want with
Joseph me, hate me and laugh at me / Darken
my daytime and torture my night."
Fox Theater The energy and enthusiasm with
Sept. 11, 1996 which this production was performed
was intoxicating, drawing the audience
into the action. Company dance numbers were never boring,
opting for large company numbers more often than solos,
keeping everyone involved. Even the children were getting
into it,,laughing and smiling throughout.
Perhaps the laughter was the most significant aspect of the
evening. The children were laughing and the audience was
laughing. It is not often that adults and children alike can find
humor from which both can laugh, but this production gives
it to us. The most endearing quality to this production was its
refusal to take itself seriously, which in effect co-opts the
major criticism of this musical: that it does not really say any-
thing.
The' message perhaps is all too clear. With its simple but
somewhat addictive tunes, with its family-oriented atmos-
phere, with its energy and humor, this musical could be seen
as a response to all those crying out to Hollywood to disci-
pline itself. Hard to believe it originates from a Biblical story
dealing with familial betrayal, slavery and pride.
There'll be some preaching going on at
the old church tonight. Yes, it's true,
the Reverend Horton Heat Is back in
good o'.Detroit to save your soul, and
he's even playing at the Sanctum, the
renovated church with great acoustics.
Touring to promote their latest album,
"It's Martini Time," the Reverend and
his entourage will be all set to thrill
you with their psychobilly tunes, featur-
ing "Big Red Rocket of Love" and other
favorites. Incorporating everything from
country to rockabilly, this Texas trio's
show is one revival you don't want to
miss. Even better, the Reverend is
bringing along Reacharound, the talent-
ed new band that has received much
alternative radio airplay for their cur-
rent hit "Big Chair." So, come on down
to the Sanctum in New Pontiac at 8
p.m. for the show - and make sure to
grease your hair, throw on your white
socks, and roil up your pant cuffs. You
wouldn't want to upset the Reverend
now, would you?
II U
Read
JOIN THE
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Call 764-7563 for more information.
'in
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Out from under sister's shadow, life is sweet for Kelley Deal
It's been a long, strange trip for Kelley Deal. She's played second fiddle (rhythm guitar, actually) in her more famous twin sis-
ter Kim Deal's band, the Breeders, undergone rehab for heroin addiction and started her self-titled band and her Nice record
label in just under two years. Deal's unique perspectives on fame, drugs and pop music shine through on her debut album,
"."Go to the Sugar Altar." Her songs, while rougher than her sister's output, are eclectic, passionate and (dare it be said)
addictive, telling stories about all kinds of compulsive behavior. Love, fame, drugs and cults are just some of the topics on the
album, and all four are covered on the first song, "Canyon," on which Deal croons knowingly: "Success has fit me like a
shroud." More than a few songs on "Go to the Sugar Altar" show that the ability to write insanely infectious, punky pop tunes
runs in the Deal family. However, Kelley throws her listeners more than a few curves with dreamy, blissed out songs like
"Nice," "Marooned" and "Tick Tock," as well as the surprisingly soulful and sexy "Sugar." Live, the Kelley Deal 6000 also car-
ries on In the family tradition of chaotic and fun gigs. Don't miss the Kelley Deal and her band this Sunday at 9 p.m. at the
Magic Stick; they're one of a kind. Call (313) 99-MUSIC for more info.
Econn 1029
Phvs 126
- --... .. . .- .
Eng ish 313
Phvs 140_
Ste 4 d eWnmtlAn out.L~f
2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS!
BOOKSTORE
549 E. University17.
741-9669 317 S. State
_____________ 65-4990