For forty years, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has been one of the most popular shows created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Based on the "coat of many colors" story of Joseph from the Hebrew Bible’s Book of Genesis, this was the first Lloyd Webber and Rice musical to be performed publicly. Having had a wildly popular run at Stage West in the past, the show returns for the holidays, running until January 22nd.

Theatre fans have a love-hate relationship with Webber, but Joseph is arguably one of his best shows. The story - of a young man favored by his father, cast aside by his brothers and sold into slavery, and his journey in Egypt - is easy to understand and the music is catchy.

David Cotton has a fantastic voice, and he portrays a very likeable Joseph. The fun thing about the show is that virtually every cast member gets a chance to shine, and Joseph boasts an incredibly talented ensemble. It includes a variety of musical styles, so just when you think they have done it all they throw in a new twist. The show is funny as well, a nice blend of humor and song. An amusing moment was watching dancers in black spandex shorts gyrating almost in the faces of the people at the front row tables – not quite what they were expecting I am sure.

The show also includes a children’s choir courtesy Storybook Theatre, a nice touch to see another local theatre group included. The kids play their roles well as part of the show. If there is one flaw to the production, I would say it is the "megamix" at the end which basically recaps the entire show with snippets of song. Added to the book in the 1990’s it is repetitive, and drags down an otherwise great production.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoatis a story of redemption and forgiveness, to a fun soundtrack. It isn’t going to change the world (although none of Webber’s shows would), but it is an enjoyable night out that will leave you humming to yourself for days after.