(Abridged version for young voices)

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Lyrics by Tim Rice

 

With the children of St. Philip

Julia Fox, narrator

Cris Perez, Joseph

Rev. Bernie Nord, Pharaoh

 

MUSICAL NUMBERS:

Jacob and Sons (Narrator, Chorus)

Joseph's Coat (Narrator, Chorus)

Joseph's Dreams (Narrator, Brothers)

Poor Poor Joseph (Narrator, Joseph)

Close every door (Joseph)

Go, Go, Go Joseph! (Girls)

Poor Poor Pharaoh (Narrator, Pharaoh)

Joseph Before the King (Joseph, Narrator)

Song of the King (Pharaoh, Chorus)

Who's The Thief? (Company)

Joseph all the time (Narrator, Girls)

Any Dream Will Do (Company)

 

 

MUSIC NOTES

Sunday, September 11, 2011

 

You might not have noticed it, but last Sunday, sitting up in the choir loft, I had what they call a "teacher's moment:" an instance where you witness definitive proof that the material you've been trying to drill into your students' heads has taken root. During the "Time for the Children" on Sunday, Sept 4th, Rev Bernie asked the kids gathered on the stairs what the names of Joseph's brothers were - and they proceeded to rattle each and every name - familiar and obscure - off into his microphone! Of course, the first song in our musical this morning presents those brothers all by name - I don't know what better proof there is that music, and the very real subliminal power it has on the young imagination, is one of the most effective teaching tools around. I've become convinced that the tradition of a biblical musical each summer at St. Philip is worth it, since it profoundly and deeply teaches these important stories of our faith to the next generation of St. Philippians. Here's hoping it continues!

 

universal and terribly important to young minds. And of course there are all the simply terrific songs: the endless, charming listing of the coat's colors in "Joseph's Coat," the startlingly dramatic minor-key lyricism of Joseph's lament "Close Every Door," the delightful rock anthem "Go, Go, Go Joseph" that follows it, the wonderfully irreverent and witty Pharaoh-as-Elvis number (you'll know it when you hear it), and the terrific lyrical closer "Any Dream Will Do."

 

And "Joseph" is one of the best around. The music is catchy and tuneful without being cheap and cheesy, well-crafted and witty, engaging for all ages - much like Sesame Street, or the best Pixar movies, there's enough substance here to entertain adult ears as well as childrens'. You might not know that it was originally written for schoolchildren not much older than the ones that sing it this morning, for a modest fifteen minute presentation at a London grammar school in 1968. From there, it grew into the full-length Broadway production we know today; but its original conception was as a short biblical musical for young voices, as presented this morning. Its theme - a uniquely Christian emphasis on love, forgiveness and charity towards those who would do you wrong - are still.

 

Anyone who's ever been a part of a musical theater production - no matter how big or small - knows full well the sheer amount of work that goes into it. This presentation has been the result of a phenomenal amount of work over the last three months - and thanks to many dedicated individuals in the congregation who I need to publicly thank. All of them take significant time - Saturdays included - out of their busy lives because they love the kids, the church, and our shared faith. So- to Rob and Rachel, Jane, Julie, Jenny, all the pit musicians, Cris, Julie and Bernie, and especially all the parents, I say: Thank you, one and all!! It's been a real pleasure.

 

A final reminder that TONIGHT at 7:00pm, Houston Cecilia will sing the Faure REQUIEM as part of today's commemoration of 9/11/01. Julia Fox sings the famous "Pie Jesu" and Charles Stanton takes the gorgeous baritone solos. Don't miss it!

 

- Justin Smith