Where do I begin? I want to tell you about a musical about dreams coming true and I feel like my dreams just did come true. I mean, getting to see the one, the only, David Archuleta in an Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece?! Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat??!! To quote one of his Idol songs, “In This Moment,” how can a window encompass perfection?
And the whole experience was just that… perfection.
Oh, except the weather, lol.
The Tuacahn amphitheatre is stunningly beautiful but it’s also completely outdoors! Which is awesome on a starry night but totally stressful when thunder starts rumbling, lightning starts flashing and the rain starts sprinkling your plastic poncho (a garment so hot I felt like stripping down to what David was wearing … or should I say not wearing! 😆 … throughout the show… more on that later 🙂 ).
Here’s my shot of the dark clouds… yikes.
The show was on hold at first… waiting to see if it was safe to continue… but the crowd was so much fun, I almost forgot I was terrified that (a) the show would be cancelled, or (b) David would be hit by lighting and get an unexpected perm.
I mean, we all did the wave a few times (why is that always so much fun? lol), then together we all sang “Don’t Stop Believin'” “YMCA,” “We Will Rock You,” and, lastly, Happy Birthday to someone’s grandma (led by a great group of theatre students in the back rows). Then miraculously the show went on!!! (After a towelling down of the stage, when the crowd started chanting, “LET’S GO, STAGE CREW!!)
Someone behind me said, “Do you think David Archuleta wants to slip and slide on his butt down those stairs?” Excellent point. However, he did tumble off the edge of the stage near the beginning, when twirling around to show everyone his new coat and the wind seemed to catch it and blow him over… thankfully people in the front helped him right back up and he didn’t miss a beat. What a pro!
Finally the big moment came and the show started. I don’t think it’s giving away any spoilers to say the roar of the crowd when David made his appearance was deafening. And not just from me. I got actual chills. It’s the first time I’ve heard his voice live since 2019 and I wasn’t prepared for how emotional that made me. Not exaggerating when I say he sounds better than ever.
I also wasn’t prepared for how hilarious he was… we all kinda know that… but he was doing it in character, both physical comedy, his facial expressions, little gestures, one-liners and interactions with the rest of the cast (who were incredibly talented).
Then, after one hysterically funny scene, he somehow transitions to a dark, intense, powerful performance of Close Every Door that brought me to tears. It was made even more dramatic by the actual lightning bolts lighting up the sky. I’ve taken the liberty of drawing them into this professional photo to give you an idea.
And as much as I didn’t want it to be raining (and slippery on stage for everyone), watching a shirtless David covered in dew drops belting out Close Every Door from the edge of the stage while lightning flashed over his head is not something I’ll ever forget. Like, wow.
The pace of the show is also lightning fast with incredible choreography, funny set-pieces and a sweet children’s choir that joins in all the fun. The narrator (played by Katie Lamark) has an amazing voice and I loved the way she interacted with the other characters, Joseph included… a real highlight.
More highlights are seeing David’s acting chops in action … let’s just say Josh Bradley’s all grown up 🙂 … you get to see him play happy, terrified, confused, delighted, scary, bossy, hilarious… the whole David Enchilada!
I think what I loved most about it all was how the director and his team tailored the show for David’s personal journey. He starts in a leather jacket and jeans, holding a microphone as if he’s doing a concert, wearing a black tie that reminded me of his mission suit. Then, at the end, that outfit comes back (minus the tie).
All goes silent, a mist rises, and David starts to sing a cappella:
I closed my eyes, drew back the curtain
To see for certain what I thought I knew
Far far away, someone was weeping
But the world was sleeping
Any dream will do
Before he started singing, you could literally hear a pin drop, it was so silent… it was like everyone was holding their breath.
Then, as David walks up the tall stairs, each one lights up in a rainbow colour… I was an emotional mess. He stands tall at the top revealing the rainbow lining of his jacket… David himself has a rainbow lining… accckkk I’m getting emotional again just typing this, it was so beautiful.
I apologize if I’ve given away too much, I’ve tried not to, there are so many fun surprises in the show. Hearing and feeling the love of the sold out crowds for David was also thrilling. (And hearing people around me say things like, “he is so good!” and “his voice is incredible!”) The megamix number at the end gets everyone on their feet, and the whole cast gets a great ovation but for sure, the biggest cheers are for David when he comes back in his amazing dreamcoat. Here’s my capture of the ending twirl.
This dream came true for me and I’m so grateful… but I also have another dream… for everyone to see this!! Really hope this production either goes to Broadway or they record a live version and share.
Go! Go! Go! David!!! … any dream will do!!!!
Some links to check out for more pecs… I mean pics!!!!:
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 