Kevin Oliver And Phase 1 World Reimagined Joseph And His Brothers Saw A Spectacular Return To Stage

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat debuted a new musical on July 17 in Bangalore at Good Shepherd Auditorium. Directed and choreographed by the iconic Kevin Oliver, and produced by Phase 1 World, the musical marked India’s first all-male youth production on a big scale. Over 100 boys and men from Bangalore’s schools, churches, and communities performed the musical, which returned to the city after almost four decades.

The musical was a spectacular reimagining of one of the world’s most beloved sung-through musicals named Joseph and His Brothers. As the name reveals, the story follows how Joseph, one of 12 brothers, had to go through many hardships due to the jealousy of his 11 brothers. This version of the musical marks India’s first all-male youth production, with over one hundred male performers taking the stage. Nine distinct voices narrated the story with songs composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The original score also blended a wide variety of genres, with songs like “Jacob and Sons”, “Close Every Door,” “Go Go Go Joseph,”. Meanwhile, “Pharaoh’s Dreams Explained” explored an unusual genre for the musical as it was sung in the Elvis Presley-style rock and roll genre.

The musical once began as a humble high school production in the late 1970s and has now evolved into a landmark theatrical moment for the city. Brought to life by the vision of Phase 1 World, the performances marked 30 successful years. Kevin Oliver first directed Joseph when he was just 19 years old, while teaching music at Frank Anthony Public School. Reflecting on his journey, Kevin shared, “I had to come back and do a musical in the city that gave me my first break. We are telling the same story, but now with more depth and emotion. There is loneliness, rejection, and reconciliation, but also hope and colour in the voices of this cast.”

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The production also featured local talent from across Bengaluru. Boys and men aged 13 to 50 from schools like Tunbridge School, Indiranagar Cambridge School, Bishop Cottons Boys School, Frank Anthony Public School, Cathedral High School, and Cathedral Composite PU College came together with the Bangalore Men’s Choir and other independent vocalists from churches and community groups. The city’s talent in fashion also took the forefront as it was styled and curated by Kevin Oliver in collaboration with international designers Michael Cinco and Furne One Amato.

The Dreamcoat itself was crafted from over a dozen fabrics and embellished with Swarovski crystals. It weighed over 21 kilograms and shimmered with every movement under stage lights. From Pharaoh’s sculpted look to Potiphar’s structured silks, every costume was designed to feel both regal and runway-worthy. In collaboration with JD School of Design, the team also created custom textiles and experimental silhouettes that elevated the entire visual impact of the musical.

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Oum Pradutt, founder of Phase 1 World, had also performed in Kevin’s early musicals as a schoolboy and described this production as a deeply personal tribute to the city that shaped him. “Our journey as a creative and cultural agency began with a deep love for live storytelling. As Phase 1 completes 30 years, we wanted to give something back to the city that gave us our first stage. Coming back to the theatre with a musical rooted in faith, resilience, and imagination felt like the most meaningful way to celebrate that journey,” he said.

The production was staged by Phase 1 World as part of their 30th anniversary, with support from the Kasturi Foundation (Knowledge Access for Social Transformation and Unlimited Resource Initiative), Seiko India, and Peaches Styling Salon.

Cover Image: Phase 1 World