The churches who are continuously searching for ways to increase attendance and keep awake those that do come should maybe take some pointers from the presentation of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' at La Comedia. Filled with high energy, dazzling set pieces, beautiful music and a captivating story it's enough to bring the audience down to their knee's in praise.
     Without a miraculous flood, a parting of the sea or a Virgin getting pregnant; the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, is not one of the Bible's most popular, but is still a heart wrenching tale. It's made even better by the shows Narrator, Emily Mattheson. Her voice and stage presence would be enough to make me a biblical scholar if she went through the entire Old and New Testaments. Through song, in her richly spirited voice the Narrator leads us through the story, beginning with the introduction of Jacob, who with 12 sons makes the current struggles of Jon and Kate with their eight seem like nothing. One of the sons, Joseph, is highly favored due to his ability to interpret dreams and is presented with the multicolored coat. His siblings are somehow jealous of the coat and has Joseph sold to be a slave in Egypt.
From the lowest of lows, Joseph never loses sight of his ability to read dreams and rises to be second in demand of Egypt, behind only the Pharaoh. He is then visited by his brothers, who are in search of food, and don't even recognize who they are dealing with until Joseph identifies himself through trickery.
     In the role of Joseph, Ryan LaTour excels, capturing every note in both voice and performance. He even carries off wearing the technicolored coat, which surely would make the 'Worst Dressed' list on any red carpet but is worshiped here.
     The music, originally composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber is far from traditional and won't be found in any hymnals. Much like the colors of Joseph's coat, the music also contains a little of everything; including calypso, rock 'n' roll, country-western and more.
     A high point of the show is the appearance by the Pharaoh (Brian Peterson), who is inspired by Elvis Presley. He brings some comic relief to what is otherwise a mostly more serious show, and there is just something entertaining about seeing Elvis in the biblical times.
     It's a very fast paced show, both the intermission and the finale came quicker than I expected. I never once looked at my watch, which can't always be said about my Sunday mornings at church.
     Like for every show at La Comedia, it all begins with a buffet meal of biblical proportions, with the special addition of some technicolored potatoes.
     No matter your religious beliefs, or lack thereof, 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' can be enjoyed by all. As though its based on a story from the Bible it doesn't specifically promote any type of faith.
     'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' will continue through November 1 with evening performances Wednesday-Sunday (arrival time 5:30-6:00 p.m.) and matinees Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday (arrival time 10:30-11:00 a.m). To make reservations or for more information call (937) 746-4554 or 1-800-677-9505 or online at www.lacomedia.com.