Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returns to the West End on Tuesday 17 July, when it opens at the Adelphi. In a repeat of last year's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, the lead role is to be cast through a prime time Saturday night television show, Any Dream Will Do. The first episode in the search for a new Joseph aired last Saturday on BBC1. The production replaces another Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice hit at the Adelphi; Evita closes on 26 May having played for just under one year.
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a retelling of a biblical tale. Joseph is one of 12 brothers, but the favourite of his father Jacob. As a token of his affections, Jacob gives Joseph a wonderful multicoloured coat which, though looking very fetching, upsets his already jealous brothers. To be rid of the favourite child, the brothers sell him to passing traders. But with Joseph's special talent for reading dreams he doesn't stay downtrodden for long.
The show was originally conceived in 1967 as a 20-minute piece for Colet Court St Paul's Junior School. From there it grew through recordings and Edinburgh outings to become a fully fledged musical. This summer's production is a revival of the 1990s London Palladium show directed by Steven Pimlott. As ever it features songs such as One More Angel In Heaven, Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do.
The production previews from 6 July and is booking until 5 January 2008. em>MA