‘Joseph’ takes XU Players to new heights
Stephanie Metz
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Erika Bresee
Joseph (Michael Platt), in his resplendent coat of many colors, surrounded by his mischievous brothers.
The Xavier Players’ “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” had a lot to live up to after last year’s superb “Workshop” performance, which closed their season.
“Joseph” pushed the Players to a new level with technical perfection and some wonderful performances.
Combining disparate musical elements like calypso, rock and country, “Joseph” is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s more about enjoying the performances than grappling with difficult thematic elements.
The plot follows the biblical story of Joseph who receives prophetic dreams from God and is favored over his eleven brothers by his father Jacob. The brothers’ jealousy gets the better of them and they sell Joseph into slavery while telling their father he was killed.
Joseph is then seduced by his master Potiphar’s wife, which lands him in prison. His ability to interpret dreams proves useful, and Egypt’s Pharoah elevates Joseph to a position of power. Eventually Joseph is reunited with his family.
“Joseph’s” ensemble proved to be a great supporting cast, transforming themselves with each scene change to whatever the script required. They morphed from brothers and wives to Egyptians, back to brothers and wives with considerable ease.
All eleven brothers shined throughout the play. Their camaraderie was palpable and made their scenes and songs even more enjoyable because it was obvious they were having so much fun. I was impressed by their chemistry and their performance skills. Their voices harmonized well and complimented each other.
Although the brothers abounded with personality and stage presence, it would have been better if they could have developed more individual characters. To be fair, “Joseph’s” script rushes along at breakneck speed and does not leave much room for this.
All three of the brothers’ soloists were also excellent. Simean, played by senior Michael Sause, Reuben, played by freshman Nate Fischer and Judah, played by freshman Christoper Razor, each distinguished themselves. Sause and Fischer used their comedic talents to the utmost in songs like “One More Angel in Heaven” and “Those Canaan Days,” while Razor’s smooth voice took over in “Benjamin Calypso.”
Despite the brothers’ capable comedy, it was up to Joseph, played by freshman Michael Platt, and the Narrator, played by junior Michelle Anguiano, to carry much of the show. Both delivered solid performances, but I was left wanting bigger characters from each.
Anguiano’s strong voice clearly delivered each lyrical line. She remained in character each second she was onstage, even when she watched the story unfold along with the audience. It’s a shame the Narrator did not have more individual character, especially in her classroom at the show’s opening.
I also wished Platt’s Joseph could have been even more dynamic. His
Joseph was very realistic, but I wanted a character that was larger-than-life,
rather than life-like. More charisma and more connection with the children in
the classroom at the beginning would have added to his performance.
Platt did, however, perfectly capture Joseph’s complicated relationship
with his brothers.
From his unknowing arrogance towards them in the first act, into the second when he tests them and eventually forgives everything they’ve done, Platt made their relationship believable.
The brothers’ dancing, specifically in the first act, is also to be commended. Some actors are adept at hiding their inability to dance by moving well, but all of the brothers’ footwork was clean, polished and synchronized for the most part.
However, much of the other dancing was uneven throughout the show.
Some moments demonstrated the cast’s sense of rhythm and passion, but others were not as graceful as they could have been.
Moments of spontaneous dancing in “One More Angel in Heaven” seemed to work better than more choreographed numbers like “Go, Go, Go Joseph” where, despite their energy, the cast’s lack of formal dance training showed.
The cast was well-supported by the show’s impeccable technical crews. Costumes were gorgeous, adding vibrant colors to an enthusiastic show and production. Small touches like the berets in “Those Canaan Days” and the corn and stars representing Joseph’s dreams enlivened the production with humor.
The music was also spectacular as the pit orchestra played perfectly and blended well with the cast’s voices, always supporting, but never overpowering them. The music acted as another character in the production as it transitioned from one genre to another.
The scenery was impressive in both style and scope. Towering sphinxes, Canaan set and Potiphar’s luxurious estate brought the story to life. The Gallagher Student Center Theatre has never looked better.
Overall, the cast’s enthusiasm, strong performances and the production’s technical aptitude made for an enjoyable show.
Rocking the vote at Fountain Square
Felipe Garcia-Wasnich
Staff Writer
“Not only is Cincinnati ground zero for the election, but it has one of the best independent rock scenes in the country,” explained Bryan Devendorf, the drummer for The National, in a quiet, almost sheltered, voice over the phone.
He discussed the failings of the Iraq war, the positives of Obama’s education plan and nostalgia from his days in the Queen City. He also related favorite memories of Cincinnati; listening to the Afghan Whigs and shopping at Shake It Records.
The National, an indie rock band based out of Brooklyn, N.Y. is composed of five musicians originally from Cincinnati.
On Oct. 16, they, along with fellow Ohioans, The Breeders, supported the Obama/Biden Democratic ticket at a rally at Fountain Square.
Many local names in the Democratic Party showed up and called for early voting.
Steve Driehaus, who is running for Congress, and current mayor Mark Mallory attended the event. Both made short speeches encouraging the crowd to vote.
The rally kicked off with The Breeders’ performance. Guitarist and singer Kim Deal is best known for her time as the bassist for 90’s alternative band The Pixies.
The Breeders tore through a solid set of simple, yet highly invigorating tracks. The group managed to energize a growing crowd of indie kids, often criticized for their lack of emotion during concerts.
Deal and company came closest to showcasing their true talent during their covers.
Blazing through one such cover by Guided By Voices, the band could put GBV frontman Robert Pollard to shame when it comes to lo-fi indie gems.
Before The National approached the stage, organizers ushered a surprise guest, actress Natalie Portman, onto the stage.
The National’s singer Matt Berninger and his fellow band mates were welcomed onto the stage with moderate cheers, slightly less enthusiastic than those for their movie star predecessor.
Berninger clutched the mike exuberantly and also professed his love for Cincinnati.
“The thing about Cincinnati is you [have] every perspective on the political spectrum,” the singer explained.
“It’s a really important place where people talk honestly about politics.”
Listening to the morbid, yet gripping lyrics of The National’s songs, it’s not hard to imagine that Berninger is as honest as the city he admires.
The set opener, “Start A War” crescendoed into the massive ocean of music that is The National’s signature sound, Berninger’s robust baritone floating over the waves.
Much of their set list is from “Boxer,” The National’s second album on Beggars Banquet Record and Paste Magazine’s number one album of 2007.
Older tracks such as “29 Years” and “Baby We’ll Be Fine” made unimpressive appearances. The National’s classics, however, did not disappoint.
The powerful “Abel” sounded like a soundscape heavy Springsteen track if the Boss had been a college graduate.
“Daughters of the Soho Riots” proved to be more emotional and fluid than a Jeff Buckley single.
The set ended on a high note with “Fake Empire,” a song that has been part of the soundtrack to much of Obama’s campaign.
Both The Breeders and The National provided an unswerving concert for their beloved hometown with emotional and powerful songs that catered to their audience.
Catherine Stahl
Diversions Editor
Election Week
Election Week events include a showing of “Recount” at 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, in Kelley Auditorium. An election party, complete with prizes and free food, will take place from 2-5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24 on the Greenspace. At 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, the College Republicans and Democrats will also be holding a community discussion in GSC’s Clocktower Lounge.
Open Mic Night
Don’t miss a chance to hear great music while supporting Xavier’s student musicians. An open mic night will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, in the Gallagher Student Center. The event will feature both cover songs and original material.
Shantytown Movie
As part of its weeklong campaign against homelessness, Shantytown invites you to watch “When I Came Home,” a documentary about a man’s struggle as a homeless veteran, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23 in Gallagher 310.
