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 
Thanks for this, Deb, especially your reactions. After years of following David, I was expecting excellent to outstanding, but I underestimated (shouldn’t have). It was incredible, all of it; and David was a seasoned pro doing his own incredible thing. His comedic timing is just there, innate I would say. His voice? As you said, better than ever, really. It is something so good you not only hear it but feel it. My husband and I talked about the show all the way back to the Las Vegas airport. I am still replaying some of those moments in my head.
Well Deb, thanks for the happy tears ♥♥♥
Deb thank you so much for this!
I would have crying right along with you!!
The walking up the stair scene oh wow, how beautiful 🥹🥹.
I’m so glad you described the audience reaction when David first appears, I’m sure he felt the love.
So happy to hear how great the show is!!
Now will just 🤞🏼🤞🏼and hope there will be some way to see it.
Thanks again ♥️
Gurl!!! You nailed it!!! This show was amazing (even if David had not been the star)
BUT DAVID WAS SOOO PERFECT! In every way!!
So glad I was blessed to share this experience with you❤️❤️❤️❤️
This recap!! 😍😍😍 I knew David was going to be incredible, but I have been immensely impressed by the comments I’ve heard about his acting and stage presence in character. I could not be more proud of him. I SO BADLY wish I could get out there to see the show, but I am so, so happy to read about the experiences of every lucky fan who gets to see this! And I will continue desperately hoping we get some sort of recording!!! 🤞
David did an insta live bts with some of the cast!! So fun!!!
Dang, have I ever seen David so relaxed, so happy, so healthy? I’m thrilled for him. What a summer to remember.
Thanks for the wonderful recap Deb! It all sounds incredible and so memorable. I would love to see this one day, somehow. So glad that you got to experience it, along with others who were there. What a treat! Sounds like David is in his best form (in many ways). 😋 What a beautiful setting too…unfortunate about the weather but happy the show went on. Such great memories and experiences to keep with you. So happy for David, I can imagine how wonderful he is in this live show. Your excellent descriptions help to bring us a real taste of it…and yes…Go! David! ❤️👏
I have to start by saying I am seething with jealousy that you were able to see the play. OTOH a heartfelt thanks for writing this beautiful review.
I just wish I could find a video with a small snippet of David singing on stage. I’ll keep looking.
I’ve been on the hunt too😕
Yes, what happened to all the ninja fans who would take videos of David despite the threats of security guards and ushers to confiscate their cameras and phones?
What happened to the good times?
I hope for that too! It’s the strictest security I’ve ever seen, and you risk getting thrown out! But I hope someone is able to capture something… or that David’s team shares something!
I have been waiting for this, thank you! David singing and acting, live! It sounds amazing! And yes, you knew it would be! The scene you described … powerful. I got chills just reading your words. Loved the cast instagram. He is so happy😊 What an incredible experience for him.
Conquer David!
Conquer, David, indeed!! 🙌🏼
Thank you, thank you, thank you Deb. I could hear the thunder, feel the rain drops, smell the lightning and experience David’s performance and music through your eyes! So beautiful and inspirational. What a wonderful role for David. One of my favorite musicals. And I can hear the recurring chorus…
“It was red and yellow and green and brown
And scarlet and black and ochre and peach
And ruby and olive and violet and fawn
And lilac and gold and chocolate and mauve
And cream and crimson and silver and rose
And azure and lemon and russet and grey
And purple and white and pink and orange
And red and yellow and green and brown and
Scarlet and black and ochre and peach
And ruby and olive and violet and fawn
And lilac and gold and chocolate and mauve
And cream and crimson and silver and rose
And azure and lemon and russet and grey
And purple and white and pink and orange.”
So beautiful, so inspirational, so David!
Ms. Kiz!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
😊😘❤️❤️❤️🎉🎉 Ms. Tofan!!!! 🎉🎉🎉
Thank you so much for the review. I’d been searching high and low for videos. I just found two snippets on YouTube.
Awesome!! I was hoping some would turn up!
I’ll settle for a highlight reel from the divine Ms Kari ♥♥♥
Yes!! 🙌🏼
Another insta live with more of the cast… what a fun bunch!! And they clearly love him… ‘natch. 🥰 Love seeing D. so happy!! 🙌🏼😍
Video highlights of the whole show in this Playbill article!! 🙌🏼😍🔥🙌🏼
https://playbill.com/article/exclusive-watch-highlights-from-tuacahns-joseph…-starring-american-idols-david-archuleta
Just watched the Playbill video. OMG, OMG, OMG… is that defibrillator from days of yore still available?!? 😁🥰❤️❤️😁😁
hahahahaha we need it now more than ever! 🤣🤣🤣
Lol Kizzi!
I tried to find this out there, just needed to come here.
Thanks TOfan, boy does that leave you wanting more! Wish they showed more of his songs …. never enough.
Never enough is right! 😍