By Marikita Saure
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Pinewood Performing Arts, Sunday July 13, 2025
Attending a summer performance by Pinewood Performing Arts is a beloved Lincoln tradition for families and theatre lovers alike — and this season’s production is no exception. The dazzling Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, marking Pinewood’s 75th annual production, is a celebration in itself. If you paid attention during Sunday school, you likely know the tale of Joseph: his coat of many colors, the jealousy of his brothers, and his eventual rise to power in Egypt. But I promise, you haven’t seen Joseph quite like this before.
As a first-time attendee of Joseph, I was struck by the technical artistry even before the “curtain” rose. The set, designed by Director JD Madsen, beautifully envelops the audience, creating the sense that the audience is included in the tent, complete with a gorgeously painted rake extending outward and leading down to the ground level and into the laps of the blanket section. Jennifer Sheskhko Wood’s costumes are a clever blend of modern style with biblical inspiration, growing increasingly vibrant (and glittery) as the story unfolds. While there were occasional sound issues that sometimes overpowered solos during full-cast numbers, the resilience of the performers shone through as they turned up their energy and projected impressively — no small feat in this venue! The cohesive effort of the production team is evident in every aspect of the storytelling.
This production is simply electric. Guided by Director JD Madsen and Assistant Director Claire Wilkinson, the show feels less like a traditional narrative and more like a collective storytelling experience by the ensemble, giving each cast member moments to shine. Among the standouts: Jadyn Dodd as the title character of Joseph, whose vocal control is extraordinary — effortlessly delivering soaring tenor notes and tasteful runs. His gentle, grounded stage presence perfectly embodies Joseph’s humility and ambition, with “Close Every Door” in particular, that showcased Dodd’s skill in captivating the audience. I heard many compare him to Donny Osmond’s well known take on the role, stating similarities in their vocal quality. It is clear Dodd has a passion for performance and executes the part magnificently.
Sean Flattery’s performance as both Jacob and Pharaoh showcases his well known versatility, moving between characters with ease and wit. His Elvis-inspired Pharaoh is a show-stealer — worth the ticket price alone (Elvis fans, take note!). Isabelle Bertrand was a delight as Potiphar’s Wife, lighting up the stage during her featured dance solos in “Potiphar” and “Those Canaan Days.” Her execution brought extra sparkle to the lengthy (in the best way) dance breaks. Ian Mitchell was hilarious as the energetic and animated Potiphar — with a matching song that ended up being my personal favorite of the evening.
The ensemble of Brothers delivered entertaining performances across a variety of musical styles. Jake Meyer was hilarious with sidekick Alex Cook in their twangy “One More Angel in Heaven”, complete with lively dance breaks among the ensemble that got increasingly peppy and spirited. I especially appreciated the exaggerated French accents of Joshua Carl, Grant Schirmer, and Dallin Jack in “Those Caanan Days”, whose chemistry and bold character choices drew plenty of laughs and cheers. The Brothers’ lamenting during this number was exuberant. There was an infectious energy brought by Jovan Cross and Simon Minchow during “Benjamin Calypso” that had everyone wanting to get up and dance. Every actor portraying a Brother brought strong character work and infectious energy, ensuring their featured scenes and songs were memorable and dynamic. Their bold choices and cracks at the comedic moments paid off in full, making the audience want more and look forward to their next entrances.
Jacob’s Wives, and in general, the female ensemble – who often served as narrators, added their own charm and sass to the spotlight, making their scenes fun and fresh. If you pay close attention, you can catch several moments where the Wives are adding even more personality to the story and scene work in the background. The part of the narrator is typically only played by one person, but Madsen and Wilkinson’s choice to split the narration between the Wives and other members of the ensemble was powerful and effective. There is one moment in particular when the cast travels to Egypt and the Pharaoh is introduced that has a Dream Girls vibe, which was another favorite of mine.
The ensemble overall deserves high praise — their energy was unwavering and their commitment evident in every moment. Many took on multiple roles and navigated quick costume changes seamlessly. Courtney Ring’s choreography was lively and pleasing to watch, executed with precision by the entire company. Under Music Director Justin Eisenbeis, the ensemble’s sound was rich and balanced, and every time the ensemble took the stage, they created striking visual and emotional moments. They captured a spirit of childlike wonder that brought joy and heart to every scene.
Adding to the fun, audience members can bid to win their very own Technicolor Dreamcoat, quilted by Tammy Hensley. Raffle tickets are available for $5 each or five for $20. Pinewood Performing Arts also offers merchandise to support the themes of the show, including apparel, keychains, technicolor bandanas, and glow and light sticks for a special interactive moment near the show’s conclusion. Those who attend have the opportunity to bring their own food and drink to enjoy during the show, but also have the option of visiting one of the delicious vendors for a sweet or savory treat.
Only one weekend remains to catch this vibrant production — it’s the perfect choice for a family-friendly, joy-filled evening with your loved ones. Go, go, go see Joseph!
If you go (and you should!):
Pinewood Performing Arts in Pioneers Park 3201 S Coddington Ave, Lincoln, NE 68522
Remaining show dates: July 17-20, 5:30 doors open, 8pm showtime. Bring a blanket for the blanket section (arrive early if you can!) or a camping chair to secure your seat!
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.pinewoodbowl.org, in person, or by visiting your local Russ’s Market.
Marikita Saure is a passionate supporter and participant of the performing arts, appearing as an actress, artist, and director for shows in Lincoln and the surrounding areas. She is a big animal lover and has two dogs (Saint Bernard and Terrier mix) whom she loves dearly.
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