Jan Machado, Contributor

Joseph (Sean Baugh) displays his colourful coat during 'Joseph and His Amazing Dreamcoat' at the Philip Sherlock Centre at the University of the West Indies, Mona, on January 18. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

I suppose that one of the advantages of reviewing a later performance of a musical is that skills will have been honed and a cast can be expected to be better.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and his Amazing Dreamcoat now running at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts is a truly incredible and highly demanding show.

Joseph is a fascinating mix of musical idioms and a delightful way in which to recount and celebrate this well-loved story.

The storyline is carried by an elegantly-dressed modern-day narrator, Aisha Ricketts. She has an exciting soprano with commendable diction.

Joseph and his eleven brothers are depicted as diverse characters. They gave an excellent and amusing account of themselves, always retaining the interest of the audience.

Gifted voice

Sean Baugh, as Joseph, sang quite beautifully and this young man is gifted with a voice of surprising range and power which augurs well for his future in theatre. His diction was impeccable and his rendition of Any Dream Will Do was particularly well received.

Lucas Pearson impressed as Captain Potiphar and he also made an imposing Jacob, while Shauna-Kaye James was suitably seductive as Mrs. Potiphar.

We had to wait until the second act to meet the Pharaoh and the audience erupted as his Elvis-like appearance was sprung on them. Dario Morgan gave a spectacular acting and singing performance in his solos and in his interaction with Joseph, the dancers and with members of the audience. Two of the brothers warrant special mention, Elijah Gayle in his excellent portrayal of Judah in the Calypso scene, and Matthew McKenzie with his inimitable Gaellic rendition in Those Canaan Days. Others to impress were Brandon Cowan and Xavier Lloyd as the Pharaoh's butler and baker, respectively.

Strong chorus

The play has a strong chorus. The dance troupe was electrifying in many of their routines despite a wide age range. Tony Wilson's choreography in Joseph was quite outstanding. Kaiel Eytle made his debut as a set designer and came up with an elaborate and workable set which provided the choreographer with many levels.

Arlene Richards and Carolyn Chin Yee have combined their costume design talents to provide a wide range of colourful and functional costumes. The play is a masterpiece, and director Peter Haley and musical director Doug Bennett can rest contented with their efforts.