By MARY FLEMING
Combining the music and plots from two popular musicals, “Joseph and His Amazing `Forever Plaid’ Dreamcoat,” showing in Murray, is a very entertaining melodrama.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Forever Plaid” joined to show what would happen if Marie Osmand got Donny thrown in jail.
Marie (Gaynl McAllister) doesn’t want to share her stardom with her brother Donny (Paul Thomas Murphy). Marie ends up throwing Donny, or Joseph, in the bottom of a well. He finds solace in singing “Puppy Love.” There he is discovered by the Plaids, who have been looking for someone to replace their lost fourth for their quartet.
Sound bizarre?
Well, it keeps going. Marie plots with the governor (Scott Holman) to have Donny incarcerated, along with the Plaids for good measure. While serving time, Joseph interprets his cell mate’s dreams.
The dream-plagued govenor seeks Joseph’s help, and the two become allies. With the governor’s help, the Plaids continue the trek to success.
A strange conglomeration of modern and local Utah humor, the melodrama is a hilarious triumph. It was written by Utah residents and so properly includes many moments unique to Utah understanding.
This is also true in the olio performed after the play. The cast sings and dances in an “Atlantic to Pacific” revue. Such numbers include and advertisement for Zion’s Park. This is complete with the performers beckoning, “Come to Zion, Come to Zion.”
The cast has a great time with the audience and hams up the performance to include the enthusiasm of all present. I appreciated the silly humor and laughed much in spite of myself.
Dinner is offered for those with an interest in pizza, ice cream or hot dogs. At each table set up in the house, a complimentary bowl of popcorn is served.
The melodrama shows each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Late night performances are offered Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 p.m. A matinee shows Saturdays at 3 p.m. Prices range from $8-$10 for adults, $6 for children. Student rates are $6 for the 9:30 p.m. performances. For more information, call 266-7600.
