STAGE REVIEW : A FRESH TREATMENT OF ‘TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT’

Originally written as a production to be performed by children, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber has seen many incarnations since its inception in the ‘60s--from London, to community theater, to Broadway. The bloom should have worn off a bit.

Apparently, no one has mentioned that to the California Youth Theatre. At the Crossroads Theatre, CYT’s “Joseph” is alive with vigor and freshness.

Based on the Old Testament tale of Jacob’s favored son whose jealous brothers sell him into slavery, the musical is a pastiche of cabaret, Western hoedown, ‘20s jazz, calypso and rock ‘n’ roll.

Lisa Beadles, a pleasing soprano, serves as Narrator, keeping the story moving with poise and grace. Vince de Cenzo is Joseph, making up with winning appeal what his voice lacks in power.

Corky Dominguez, director and choreographer, for the most part guides the large cast with panache, utilizing the multitiered stage to good advantage and keeping the ensemble dance numbers crisp.

Thus, the disappointment is that much greater each time a few dancing girls take center stage in an uninspired effort to evoke a softer mood. And warmth is sorely missed from Joseph’s reunion with his father Jacob (Scott Weintraub, in flowing gray wig). The moment is awkward and shallow, undermining the poignancy of De Cenzo’s solo, “Any Dream Will Do.”

Among many strong performances, standouts are Seana Livingston as Potiphar’s naughty wife, delightfully bawdy in her pursuit of the innocent Joseph; Kevin S. Cooper’s rousing Elvis Presley imitation as Pharaoh and De Cenzo’s convincing switch from brash to vulnerable with the haunting ballad “Close Every Door.”

The pleasure of this production lies in its overall mix of professionalism and ingenuousness. The nine-man orchestra, led by conductor/pianist Robert Lippre, doesn’t overwhelm the cast. Kermit Heckert’s sets are simple--a few props are all that are necessary--and Diane Winesburg’s costumes (biblical robes, Egyptian collars) are ungimmicky, with only a change of hat to suggest the various musical styles.

California Youth Theatre’s stated goal is to produce “arts-aware” young people through high standards of presentation. This production reflects that commitment.

Performances continue tonight, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with a matinee Saturday at 2 p.m.; (213) 828-0861.