Our story began way-way back many centuries ago. Just kidding. In 1967 ALW and Tim Rice were asked to write a 15-minute pop cantata for a school in England. It was first performed at Colet Court School in London on March 1st, 1968. ALW’s father like the cantata so much he arranged a second performance at Westminster Central Hall, and the cantata was stretched to 20 minutes long by May of 1968. November of 1968 when the third time the cantata was performed, and now it was 35-minutes long. Then in 1969, JATD was taken to a recording studio to make an album. Two years later, the recording was brought to the US after the success of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Throughout the early ’70s, JATD had many amateur productions in the US and UK. By 1974 JATD was now a full-length musical. The very first place the full-length show was performed was at the Haymarket Theatre in Leicester. Across the pond in the US, JATD was first performed by Playhouse in the Park in Philidelphia. Later in 1981, JATD received an off-Broadway production with Bill Hutton as Joseph. This production was then brought to the now Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in 1982. The show received many Tony Award nominations including Best Musical and Best Original Score. The show closed on Broadway in 1983 having done 747 performances.

Even though the show was done in the US, in 1991 JATD was back onstage in England at the London Palladium with Australian pop-singer Jason Donavan as Joseph. When the cast album was released in the UK, it was number one on the charts for two weeks. After Donavan departed from JATD, former children’s TV presenter Philip Schofield dawned on that coat of many colors. The next year, the musical opened in Toronto at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres with one of the most well known Joseph’s of all time, Donny Osmond. After his time in the Toronto production, Osmond then toured around North America in the role. Finally, in 1992 a major production opened in Australia in Melbourne. The musical was revived for a short time on Broadway in 1993 at the Minskoff Theatre.

In 1999, a direct to video adaptation was released with Donny Osmond reprising his role as Joseph. There were no significant changes. The film was set in a school and the actors playing teachers become the characters in the story and the students become the children’s chorus. Many of the design elements are the same as the professional productions of the ’90s.

The biggest thing of the 2000s that was technicolor related was the talent search called “Any Dream Will Do”. With the rise of talent searches such as “So you think you can dance” and “American Idol” this was a televised talent search where the public would vote for the actor they wanted to see as Joseph. Each of the contestants would have a solo performance each week while also doing a mission of that week proving that they would be the right choice to play Joseph. Some mission were, practicing being aggressive with John Barrowman, climbing the barricade and singing “Do You Hear the People Sing,” to singing “Pharaoh’s Dreams Explained” in a loincloth in front of their mothers. The two men with the lowest amount of votes would have a sing-off to decide who would stay and who would go home.

The winner of “Any Dream Will Do” was Lee Mead. Before winning the contest, Mead was an ensemble member in Phantom of the Opera and understudied for Raoul. The show ran from July 2007 to May 2009.

Not too much Technicolor wise has happened in the 2010s besides a few tours in the UK and North America. I was very fortunate to see the US tour with Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo back in 2014, for my 15th birthday. Back in March, the musical celebrated its 50th birthday.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a well-loved musical for all generation. It is a great show no matter how big or small. Schools, churches, and community theatres around the world have been performing this show worldwide. Because of this timeless musical, many people have been introduced to the wonderful world of theatre.

The post The History Of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

Here are seven facts that every theatre nerd needs to know (warning: you may find yourself booking a flight to England straight away!):

1. ‘The Wild Party’ has opened at London’s coolest new theatre

The Other Palace, previously known as St. James Theatre, has not only undergone a stellar facelift but will now be a home for musicals at various stages of development. By day, The Other Palace studio will welcome composers, lyricists, directors and choreographers as they get their creative juices flowing to produce fresh material. By night, the theatre will champion a diverse range of edgy and innovate musicals. This venue is the perfect place for theatre nerds to catch something groundbreaking and different.

2. The show boasts an incredible director…

Drew McOnie, the production’s director and choreographer, is no stranger to making magic on the stage. His previous credits include major West End productions such as ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, ‘On The Town’, and ‘In The Heights’ which garnered him the 2016 Olivier Award for Best Choreographer. What does this mean for ‘The Wild Party’? It’s sure to be stunningly spectacular.

3.  …And a dazzling leading lady

We dreamed a dream of seeing Tony Award winning actress, Frances Ruffelle, star as yet another leading lady on the stage. This acclaimed performer, famously known for her roles in the original West End and Broadway productions of ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘Starlight Express’, now gets ready to kill it in a complex portrayal of 1920’s actress, Queenie.

4. Audiences will travel back in time

Set against the backdrop of Manhattan decadence and 1920’s excess, ‘The Wild Party’ is the bee’s knees for anyone infatuated with the past. It tells the story of Queenie, a vaudeville showgirl who decides to throw ‘the party to end all parties’. Divine costumes and an alluring musical score is sure to transport audiences to a different time and place. Think the perfect blend of ‘Chicago’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’…

5. It pushes the limits

As the night goes on, the gin flows, the jazz swings and the sexual tension smoulders. ‘The Wild Party’ isn’t your average musical. With a unique structure of vaudeville-ian sketches and a dark plot that pushes the boundaries of theatre, this unapologetic piece certainly makes its mark — and makes you think.

6. It’s official: You’ve found your next jam

Nominated for seven Tony Awards, three Drama Desk Awards and the winner of a Theatre World Award, LaChiusa’s ‘The Wild Party’ undoubtedly hosts memorable music. Listen for yourself with this gorgeous duet between Queenie and Kate (Frances Ruffelle and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt).

7. It’s on for a limited time!

Don’t want to miss out on this party? ‘The Wild Party’ plays The Other Palace stage in London until April 1, 2017.

To learn more, click here!

The post 7 Things You Need To Know About ‘The Wild Party’ appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

The West End’s production of the beloved musical is sweeping the city with its colorful dance numbers and upbeat tunes. Here are 13 reasons why “Mamma Mia!” is this season’s greatest feel-good show:

1. In 2016, it became the eighth longest-running show in London, and in 2015, it ranked as the eighth longest-running show on Broadway. Basically, it’s beloved around the world.

2. It is housed in the historic Novello Theatre. The venue originally opened as the Waldorf Theatre in 1905 and has undergone a number of renovations. Today, it boasts beautiful interior design.

3. Everyone already knows the music, which means there’s an extra sense of community at the show — especially when the whole audience jams to “Waterloo” during the finale.

4. It’s completely composed of ABBA music. When the musical first debuted in 1999, it brought to live an original story interwoven with classical tunes such as “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Mamma Mia” and “The Winner Takes It All.”

5. Speaking of its debut, “Mamma Mia!” is also a West End original. The first production launched at the Prince Edward Theatre in London on April 6, 1999.

6. Unlike many musicals, this story captures the relationship between a mother and daughter, a daughter and father and best friends — and has a heart-stopping romance!

7. Whether you’re a parent, child, friend or lover, this show features a host of relatable characters.

8. The West End’s current production boasts an all-star cast. From fresh talent such as Sanne den Besten (Sophie), previously seen in “Les Misérables,” to Olivier Award winner Linzi Hateley (Donna), known for acclaimed performances in “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Oliver!” “Les Misérables” and “Chicago,” it’s a cast you don’t want to miss!

9. “Mamma Mia!” has been hailed as “the sunniest of all musicals,” “fantastic fun,” “ridiculously enjoyable” and “the best show in years” by acclaimed publications in England.

10. There’s no show with more energy. Though “Mamma Mia!” carries both comedy and drama, it’s never, ever short on vibrancy. Big dance numbers and larger-than-life songs are at the heart of this musical.

11. The production has put on a number of cool initiatives during its run. Relaxed performances are available for audience members who need to move during the duration of the show, student performances introduce young theatergoers to the magic of musical theatre and the show just recently ran a festive “12 Days of Christmas” giveaway.

12. The beautifully constructed set transports audiences to a quaint village in Greece.

13. The audience is part of the story. While any good theatre experience acts as an escape from the real world, “Mamma Mia!” brings theatergoers on a wild ride you’ll never forget.

If you want to learn more about the West End’s enchanting musical, click here. Already been to the show? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Why ‘Mamma Mia!’ Is The West End’s Greatest Feel-Good Show appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. Love Never Dies.

The long-anticipated sequel to Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera premiered in London in 2010. The plot concerns the character, soprano Christine Daaé, who receives a mysterious invitation to perform at the opening of Phantasma, a new attraction on Coney Island. The musical had runs in Melbourne, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Tokyo, and is expected to have a U.S. tour next year. 

2. We Will Rock You.

Featuring the music of Queen, this jukebox musical premiered in London in 2002, and ran there for 12 years. The plot concerns a group of Bohemians who wish to restore freedom of expression to a conformist society. Aside from several international productions, its most notable American productions are a Las Vegas production and a North American tour beginning in 2013. 

3. Jerry Springer: the Opera.

This outrageous musical, which premiered in London in 2003, is chock full of blasphemy and extensive profanity, including a tap-dancing troupe of Ku Klux Klan members. Despite a successful UK tour, the proposed Broadway production for 2005 was ultimately cancelled.

4. Honk!

Written by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, this adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling” premiered in Newbury, Berkshire in 1993 before opening in London in 1999. Although Honk! is popular among children’s and regional theatres throughout Britain and the U.S., a transfer to Broadway has yet to happen.

5. Marguerite.

Co-written by the masterminds behind Les Miserables (Boublil,  Schönberg, and Kretzmer), this musical is about a 40 year-old singer whose young lover is caught in the middle of the French Resistance. Aside from its 2008 London premiere and its 2012 revival there, the musical has been produced in Tokyo and Ostrava.

6. Spend Spend Spend.

Written by Steve Brown and Justin Green, this rags-to-riches-to-rags-again story retells the true story of a woman who wins £152,000 in football pools, but eventually her life turns to chaos. Premiering on West End in 1998, the musical was later revived in Bagnor, Berkshire in 2009. 

7. Metropolis.

Based on the 1927 silent film of the same name, this musical by Joe Brooks and Dusty Hughes premiered on West End in 1989. It marked the London debut of Judy Kuhn, who provided the singing voice of Pocahontas in the Disney film of the same name. 

8. Bend It Like Beckham.

With its music and lyrics by Howard Goodall and Charles Hart respectively, this musical based on the 2002 eponymous film premiered on West End in 2015, closed last March. With the recent tour and Broadway run of Bring It On: the Musical, it’s not hard to believe that sports-related musicals like Beckham could do well in New York.

9. Witches of Eastwick.

Based on the 1984 novel of the same name, this musical is about three witches whose attraction to the devil-like Darryl corrupts his every move. After premiering on West End in 2000, the musical has been produced in Moscow, Melbourne, and Sao Paolo. The musical premiered  in the United States in 2007.

10. Peggy Sue Got Married.

Based on the 1986 film of the same name, this short-lived West End musical was a star vehicle for Ruthie Henshall, who earned an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. It closed shortly after 9/11, due to the fewer amount of patrons flying to London. 

Think of a show that we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments below…

The post 10 Popular West End Musicals That Never Made It To Broadway appeared first on Theatre Nerds.