COLEGIO SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO FEYDA

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

FICHA DIDÁCTICA

2 ESO

RELIGIÓN

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Music Andrew Lloyd Webber

Lyrics Tim Rice

Basis The story of Joseph in Genesis

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical with lyrics by Tim Rice. The story is based on the "coat of many colors" story of Joseph from the Bible's Book of Genesis. This was the first Lloyd Webber and Rice musical to be performed publicly. (Their first musical, The Likes of Us, written in 1965, was not performed until 2005.)

Joseph was first presented as a 15-minute pop cantata at Colet Court School in London in 1968 and was recorded as a concept album in 1969. After the success of the next Lloyd Webber and Rice piece, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph received stage productions beginning in 1970 and expanded recordings in 1971 and 1972. While still undergoing various transformations and expansions, the musical was produced in the West End in 1973, and in its full format was recorded in 1974 and opened on Broadway in 1982. Several major revivals and a 1999 straight-to-video film, starring Donny Osmond, followed.

Synopsis

Act I

The story is based on the Biblical story of Joseph, found in the Book of Genesis. It is set in a frame in which a narrator is telling a story (sometimes to children, encouraging them to dream). She then tells the story of Joseph, another dreamer ("Prologue," "Any Dream Will Do"). In the beginning of the main story Jacob and his 12 sons are introduced ("Jacob and Sons"). Joseph's brothers are jealous of him for his coat of many colours, a symbol of their father's preference for him ("Joseph's Coat"). It is clear

COLEGIO SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO FEYDA

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

FICHA DIDÁCTICA

2 ESO

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from Joseph's dreams that he is destined to rule over them ("Joseph's Dreams"). To get rid of him and prevent the dreams from coming true, they attempt fratricide, but then they sell Joseph as a slave to some passing Ishmaelites ("Poor, Poor Joseph"), who take him to Egypt.

Back home, his brothers, led by Reuben and accompanied by their wives, break the news to Jacob that Joseph has been killed. They show his tattered coat smeared with his blood – really goat blood – as proof that what they say is true ("One More Angel in Heaven"). After the bereft Jacob leaves, the brothers and their wives happily celebrate the loss of Joseph.

In Egypt, Joseph is the slave of Egyptian millionaire Potiphar. He rises through the ranks of slaves and servants until he is running Potiphar's house. When Mrs. Potiphar makes advances, Joseph spurns her. She removes his shirt, feels his chest and back, squeezes his rear and blows him kisses. Potiphar overhears, barges in, sees the two together – and jumps to conclusions ("Potiphar"). Outraged, he throws Joseph in jail. Depressed, Joseph laments the situation ("Close Every Door") – but his spirits rise when he helps two prisoners put in his cell. Both are former servants of the Pharaoh and both have had bizarre dreams. Joseph interprets them. One cellmate, the Baker, will be executed, but the other, the Butler, will be returned to service. Upon hearing this, the rest of the prisoners surround Joseph and encourage him to go after his dreams ("Go, Go, Go Joseph").

Act II

The Narrator tells of impending changes in Joseph's fortunes ("A Pharaoh Story") because the Pharaoh is having dreams that no-one can interpret. Now freed, the Butler tells Pharaoh (acted in the style of Elvis Presley) of Joseph and his dream interpretation skills ("Poor, Poor Pharaoh"). Pharaoh orders Joseph to be brought in and the king tells him his dream involving seven fat cows, seven skinny cows, seven healthy ears of corn, and seven dead ears of corn ("Song of the King").

Joseph interprets the dream as seven plentiful years of crops followed by seven years of famine ("Pharaoh's Dreams Explained"). An astonished Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of carrying out the preparations needed to endure the impending famine, and Joseph becomes the most powerful man in Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh ("Stone the Crows"). (Note: In the 2007 London revival, Pharaoh has a new song, "King of my Heart").

Back home, the famine has caught up with Joseph's brothers, who – led by the brother Simeon – express regret at selling him and deceiving their father ("Those Canaan Days"). They hear Egypt still has food and decide to go there to beg for mercy and to be fed, not realising that they will be dealing with Joseph ("The Brothers Come to Egypt"). He gives them sacksful of food and sends them on their way, but plants a

COLEGIO SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO FEYDA

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

FICHA DIDÁCTICA

2 ESO

RELIGIÓN

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golden cup in the sack of his youngest brother, Benjamin ("Grovel, Grovel"). When the brothers try to leave, Joseph stops them, asking about the "stolen cup". Each brother empties his sack, and it is revealed that Benjamin has the cup. Joseph then accuses Benjamin of robbery ("Who's the Thief?"). The other brothers, led by Judah, beg for mercy for Benjamin, imploring that Joseph take them prisoner and set Benjamin free ("Benjamin Calypso").

Seeing their selflessness and penitence, Joseph reveals himself ("Joseph All the Time") and sends for his father. The two are reunited ("Jacob in Egypt") for a happy conclusion and Joseph dons his coloured coat once more ("Finale: Any Dream Will Do (Reprise)/Give Me My Coloured Coat").

In some productions, the finale is followed by a rock/disco medley of most of the musical's major numbers ("Joseph Megamix").

Characters

Narrator : A woman (in original productions, a man), not of the time or place of the action. The Narrator tells the story through word and song, guiding the audience gently through the story of Joseph and his brothers, usually gives meaning to the story with her/his words.

Jacob : The father of twelve sons, his favorite being Joseph. At times he may appear unfair and shallow, but he is, more importantly, the prophet who recognizes the future and the calling of Joseph, thus saving the House of Israel.

Joseph : Obviously his father’s favorite, Joseph early on shows a talent for interpreting dreams and telling the future. This gets him into trouble with his brothers when he predicts his future will include ruling over the other eleven. However, it saves his life when in Egypt he correctly interprets Pharaoh’s dreams. In the end he has risen to a great position of power, but he still forgives his brothers and brings his family to Egypt to partake of the bounty he has accumulated there.

Three Ladies: These multi-talented women appear in the play as many characters: Jacob’s wives, saloon girls, dancing girls, and so on.

Ishmaelites : Men of the desert, they buy Joseph as a slave, take him to Egypt, and sell him to Potiphar.

Potiphar : A powerful and rich Egyptian, Potiphar purchases Joseph and puts him to work in his household, where he soon realizes that Joseph is honest, hard-working, and a great addition to his pool of help. When he grows

COLEGIO SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO FEYDA

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

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2 ESO

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suspicious of his wife and Joseph, however, he grows angry and has Joseph thrown into prison.

Mrs. Potiphar : Beautiful and scheming, Mrs. Potiphar tries to seduce Joseph, but is unsuccessful. However, she does manage to rip off much of his clothing just as her husband comes into the room, thus condemning him to prison.

Baker: One of Pharaoh servants, the Baker is in prison with Joseph who correctly interprets his dreams and predicts that he will be put to death.

Butler: Another of Pharaoh servants, the Butler is also in prison with Joseph who also correctly interprets his dreams, this time that he will be released and taken back into Pharaoh's household. It is the Butler who tells Pharaoh about Joseph and his uncanny ability with dreams.

Pharaoh : The most powerful man in Egypt, Pharaoh is considered a god on earth. When Joseph interprets his dreams, he promotes him to one of the highest positions in his government. In most productions, Pharaoh is portrayed as an Elvis Presley-style figure.

Joseph's Eleven Brothers: Although acting usually as a group, they each have their own different personalities, talents, and flaws. As a group they sell Joseph into slavery, but as individuals they deal with the following years and how they can make amends. They sing and dance their way through many situations and places. The performers also double as Egyptians in many cases.

o Reuben : Eldest son of Jacob; showed kindness to Joseph and was the means of saving his life when his other brothers would have put him to death.

o Simeon : Second son of Jacob; detained by Joseph in Egypt as a hostage.

o Levi : Third son of Jacob, by Leah; he went down with Jacob into Egypt.

o Judah : Fourth son of Jacob; he pleads with Joseph when Benjamin is falsely arrested for theft of a goblet; one of his descendants was to be the Messiah.

o Dan : Fifth son of Jacob, by Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid.

o Naphtali : Sixth son of Jacob, by Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid.

o Gad : Seventh son of Jacob, by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid.

o Asher : Eighth son of Jacob, by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid;.

COLEGIO SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO FEYDA

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

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2 ESO

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o Issachar : Ninth son of Jacob.

o Zebulun : Tenth son of Jacob; he had three sons.

o Benjamin : Twelfth son of Jacob. Joseph accuses him of stealing the golden cup. After Joseph went missing Benjamin was beloved.

The Wives: The wives to the eleven brothers (ensemble).

Adult chorus

Children's chorus

Musical numbers

Act I Prologue - Narrator Any Dream Will Do - Joseph, Children

Jacob and Sons - Narrator, Brothers, Wives, Children, Ensemble

Joseph's Coat - Jacob, Narrator, Brothers, Wives, Children, Ensemble

Joseph's Dreams - Narrator, Brothers, Joseph

Poor, Poor Joseph - Narrator, Brothers, Children

One More Angel in Heaven - Reuben, Narrator, Brothers, Wives, Jacob, Children

Potiphar - Children, Narrator, Male Ensemble, Mrs Potiphar, Potiphar, Joseph

Close Every Door - Joseph, Children

Go, Go, Go Joseph - Narrator, Butler, Baker, Ensemble, Joseph, Guru, Children

Act II Pharaoh's Story - Narrator, Children Poor, Poor Pharaoh - Narrator, Butler,

Pharaoh, Children

Song of the King - Pharaoh, Ensemble

Pharaoh's Dream Explained - Joseph, Ensemble, Children

Stone the Crows - Narrator, Pharaoh, Children, Joseph, Female Ensemble

King of My Heart - Pharaoh

Those Canaan Days - Simeon, Jacob, Brothers

The Brothers Come To Egypt/Grovel, Grovel - Narrator, Brothers, Joseph, Female Ensemble, Children

Who's the Thief? - Joseph, Brothers, Female Ensemble

Benjamin Calypso - Judah, Brothers (but Benjamin), Female Ensemble

Joseph All the Time - Narrator, Joseph, Children

Jacob in Egypt - Narrator, Jacob, Children, Ensemble

COLEGIO SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO FEYDA

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

FICHA DIDÁCTICA

2 ESO

RELIGIÓN

Página 6 de 13

Any Dream Will Do (Reprise) - Joseph, Narrator, Ensemble, Jacob, Children

Give Me My Colored Coat - Joseph, Children, Ensemble

Joseph Megamix - Ensemble

Notable in the composition of the music is the variety of styles used by Lloyd Webber, including parodies of French ballads ("Those Canaan Days"), Elvis-inspired rock and roll ("Song of the King"), western ("One More Angel In Heaven"), 1920s Charleston ("Potiphar"), Calypso ("Benjamin Calypso") and disco ("Go, Go, Go Joseph"). Often, productions will make costume and prop changes to reflect each of the various musical styles.

Lyrics: See http://lyricskeeper.es/es/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat/

COLEGIO SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO FEYDA

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

FICHA DIDÁCTICA

2 ESO

RELIGIÓN

Página 7 de 13

COLEGIO SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO FEYDA

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

FICHA DIDÁCTICA

2 ESO

RELIGIÓN

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ACTIVIDADES

Elabora un trabajo con los siguientes apartados:

1. Historia de la que trata el musical y parte de la Biblia donde se narra.

2. Autores del musical y breve biografía de los mismos.

3. Principales personajes y rasgos característicos.

4. Diferentes tipos de estilos musicales que se pueden apreciar y canciones que los representan.

5. Contesta a las siguientes preguntas de reflexión (en español):

a. Does blood relation make one a family? What is needed to have a strong family bond?

b. Have you ever experienced the feeling of envy?

c. Why do you think the stories from history and the Bible translate onto the stage well?

d. Which part of the play is your favourite?

e. Have you ever felt that you could interpret dreams? Were you correct?

f. The story of Joseph is a common parable. What morals are found within the plot line?

g. Describe the good qualities of Joseph. Find specific examples in the show that define these qualities.

6. Realiza el siguiente crucigrama:

COLEGIO SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO FEYDA

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

FICHA DIDÁCTICA

2 ESO

RELIGIÓN

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COLEGIO SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO FEYDA

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

FICHA DIDÁCTICA

2 ESO

RELIGIÓN

Página 10 de 13

CANCIONES DEL MUSICAL

Jacob & Sons

Way, way back many centuries ago, not long after the Bible began,Jacob lived in the land of Canaan. A fine example of a family man.

Jacob, Jacob and sons, depended on farming to earn their keep.Jacob, Jacob and sons, spent all of his days in the fields with sheep. Jacob was the founder of a whole new nation,thanks to the number of children he had.He was also known as Israel, but most of the time,his sons and his wives used to call him Dad.

Jacob, Jacob and sons, men of the soil, of the sheaf and crook.Jacob, Jacob and sons, a remarkable family in anyone's book.

Reuben was the eldest of the children of IsraelWith Simeon and Levi the next in lineNaphtali and Isaachar with Asher and DanZebulun and Gad took the total to nineJacob, Jacob and sons,Benjamin and Judah, which leaves only one Jacob, Jacob and sons, Joseph Jacob's favourite son.Jacob, Jacob and sons, Jacob, Jacob and sonsJacob, Jacob and sons, Jacob, Jacob, Jacob Jacob and Sons.

COLEGIO SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO FEYDA

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

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2 ESO

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Any Dream Will Do

I closed my eyes, drew back the ttto see for certain what I thought I knew.Far far away, someone was weeping, but the world was sAny dream will do

I wore my coat, with golden lining, bright shining, wonderful and new.And in the east, the dawn was breaking and the world was wakingAny s will do

A crash of drums, a flash of light, my golden coat flew out of sight,the colours faded into darkness I was left s

May I return to the beginning? The light is dimming, and the dream is too.The world and , we are still waiting, still hesitatingAny dream will s

A crash of , a flash of light, my golden coat flew out of sightThe colours faded into sI was left alone

May I return to the ? The light is dimming, and the dream is tooThe world and I, we are still waiting, still hesitatingAny dream will do

COLEGIO SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO FEYDA

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

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2 ESO

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JOSEPH'S COAT

Joseph's mother, she was quite my favourite wife, I never really loved another all my life. And Joseph was my joy because he reminded me of her.

Through young Joseph, Jacob lived his youth again:loved him, praised him, gave him all he could, but then it made the rest feel second best and even if they were…

Being told we're also-rans does not makes us Joseph fans But where they had really missed the boat is: We're great guys but no-one seems to notice

Joseph's charm and winning smile, failed to slay them in the aisle.And his father couldn't see the danger, he could not imagine any danger.He just saw in Joseph all his dreams come true.

Jacob wanted to show the world he loved his son, to make it clear that Joseph was the special one. So Jacob bought his son a coat a multi-coloured coat to wear

Joseph's coat was elegant, the cut was fine, the tasteful style was the ultimate in good designAnd this is why it caught the eye, a king would stop and stare

And when Joseph tried it on he knew his sheepskin days were gone,such a dazzling coat of many colours, how he loved his coat of many colours

In a class above the rest it even went well with his vest, such a stunning coat of many colourshow he loved his coat of many colours.It was red and yellow and green and brown and blue.

Joseph's brothers weren't too pleased with what they saw:We have never liked him all that much before, and now this coat has got our goat,we feel life is unfair

And when Joseph graced the scene his brothers turned a shade of green.His astounding clothing took the biscuit , quite the smoothest person in the district

I look handsome, I look smart, I am walking work of artSuch a dazzling coat of colours, how I love my coat of many colours

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, and blue

COLEGIO SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO FEYDA

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

FICHA DIDÁCTICA

2 ESO

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Close Every Door

Close every door to me, hide all the world from me,bar all the windows and shut out the light.

Do what you want with me, hate me and laugh at me,darken my daytime and torture my night.

If my life were important I would ask will I live or die, but I know the answers lie far from this world.

Close every door to me, keep those I love from me, children of Israel are never alone.For I know I shall find my own peace of mind, for I have been promised a land of my own.

Close every door to me, hide all the world from me,bar all the windows and shut out the light.

Just give me a number instead of my name, forget all about me and let me decay,I do not matter, I'm only one person,destroy me completely then throw me away

If my life were important I would ask will I live or die,but I know the answers lie far from this world.

Close every door to me, keep those I love from me, children of Israel are never alone.For we know we shall find our own peace of mind, for we have been promised a land of our own.