REVIEW: ‘Joseph the Dreamer’ brings a refreshing, entertaining take on a familiar story
Trumpets' Joseph the Dreamer returned to the stage on Nov. 6, bringing its beloved biblical story to a new generation of theatergoers.
Leading the production are Jordan Andrews and Neo Rivera, who alternate in the title role of Joseph, alongside veteran actor Nonie Buencamino as Jacob. The cast also features Julia Serad as Rachel, Iya Villanueva and Naya Ambi as Asenath, Lorenz Martinez as the principal narrator, and Omar Uddin as Potiphar, among other performers.
The musical follows Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, whose brothers become jealous and sell him into slavery in Egypt. Despite facing betrayal, hardship, and imprisonment, Joseph eventually rises to power through his ability to interpret dreams. His journey explores themes of forgiveness, faith, and reconciliation, showing how even the most difficult circumstances can lead to an unexpected purpose.
There is something special about watching a familiar story come to life onstage, especially when a production finds ways to make it feel fresh. Joseph the Dreamer does this through its eye-catching costumes, impressive musical numbers, and unexpected moments of humor, making for an entertaining theatrical experience.
The production's visual presentation is one of its biggest highlights. The costumes give the biblical story a modern touch, making the overall look feel refreshing while still honoring its setting. The carefully designed backdrops, detailed props, and ribbon dance sequences also add depth and movement to the scenes, helping bring the story to life onstage.
The dream sequences were another visual standout. Through lighting and visual effects, the production gave these scenes a distinct look, making it immediately apparent whenever Joseph was dreaming. These creative touches made the moments more immersive and added theatrical flair to the storytelling.
The musical also knew when to have fun with its story. Its comedic moments and unexpected bits brought plenty of laughter, providing a playful contrast to the more emotional scenes. This was complemented by the cast's impressive vocals and the dancers' well-coordinated movements and expressive performances, which made the musical numbers even more engaging.
However, the production was not without a few technical hiccups. There were instances when microphone issues affected the audio, making some lines or vocals difficult to hear. These minor distractions aside, the cast continued to deliver engaging performances throughout the show.
At the center of it all is Andrews, who stands out as Joseph. He delivered strong vocals and brings a charming yet emotional quality to the character. He especially commands the stage during his solo scenes, drawing the audience's attention with his presence. His chemistry with the rest of the cast also feels natural, making him a convincing fit for the role.
Beyond the performances, the musical also carries a message that resonates with its cast. Naya Ambi, who plays Asenath, hopes audiences leave the theater with a renewed sense of faith.
“I pray that after they see this show, they will realize that the same God who wrote Joseph’s story is the same God [who’s] in control of our lives right now,” she told PhilSTAR Life. She hopes viewers feel “spiritually refreshed” and have their eyes turned back to God.
Ambi also sees parts of herself in Asenath, whom she describes as “a woman of integrity and command.” Although the Bible does not say much about the character, she imagines her as someone adventurous and encouraging.
“I relate to Asenath as an encourager. Just like how she empowers her husband as a leader, I love encouraging people and [cheering] for them as they reach their dreams,” she said.
One lyric that particularly resonates with Naya comes from the song Lead Me: “I don't know what's around the corner, Lord, but I know that You'll be there.”
“This line always gets me, whatever season I'm in,” she shared. Another song also reminds her of the importance of prayer, especially during difficult moments: “One song is not enough; you need more when the going gets rough.”
Ultimately, Joseph the Dreamer is an enjoyable retelling that balances humor, music, and heartfelt performances. With its refreshing visual approach and a cast that brings the story to life, the musical offers audiences both an entertaining theater experience and a reminder of its enduring message of faith, hope, and reconciliation.
Disclaimer: PhilSTAR L!fe was given a ticket to Joseph the Dreamer, which will run until Nov. 22 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza in Makati City. Tickets are available via Ticket2Me.