There is no version for licence that matches up with the Broadway version from the early '80's. The 10 piece version is closer to the 1974 studio version of "Joseph". While the album did not contain the Prologue, and just started with "Jacob and Sons", the 10 piece version contains the "Some Folks Dream" intro seguing into "Any Dream". If you wish to skip the "Any Dream Will Do" section and go straight into "Jacob and Sons", it is fairly easy as the 10 piece version of "Some Folks Dream" starts in D, modulates to E and "Jacob and Sons" is in E, which makes for an easy transition.
The two different versions have a lot of songs in different keys as well. The 10 piece version follows the 74 studio album (as well as the published abridged vocal score from Hal Leonard) and the 15 piece version is closer to the "Donny Osmond" version. The 10 piece does not contain the extended dance sequences found in the 15 piece.
Here is a list I had of the keys of the two different versions. The first key listed is from the 10 piec and the second is from the 15 piece.
Act I
Overture
"Prologue- Some Folks Dream" - Narrator (D_E) (B_Db)
"Jacob & Sons" - Narrator, Brothers, Wives, Chorus (E) (Same)
"Joseph's Coat" - Jacob, Joseph, Narrator, Brothers, Wives, Chorus (E_F) (D_Eb)
"Joseph's Dreams" - Narrator, Joseph, Brothers (F_Bb) (Same)
"Poor, Poor Joseph" - Narrator, Brothers, Wives, Chorus (F_Db) (Same)
"One More Angel in Heaven " - Reuben, Jacob, Ensemble (F) (Same)
"Journey to Egypt" - Narrator (Fm) (Same)
"Potiphar" - Narrator, Joseph, The Potiphars, Ensemble (E_Em_E) (Same)
"Close Every Door" - Joseph, Chorus (Fm) (Same)
"Go, Go, Go Joseph" - Narrator, Joseph, Baker, Butler, Ensemble (Gm_G) (Em_G_A)
Act II
"Entr'acte"
"Pharaoh Story" - Narrator, Chorus (E) (C)
"Poor, Poor Pharaoh" - Narrator, Butler, Pharaoh, Joseph (F_Em) (Same) "Song of the King" - Pharaoh, Ensemble (E) (Same)
"Song of the King (Reprise)" - Pharaoh, Ensemble (E) (Same)
"Pharaoh's Dreams Explained" - Joseph, Ensemble(E) (Same)
"Stone the Crows" - Pharaoh, Narrator, Joseph, Female Ensemble, (Eb) (Same)
"Those Canaan Days" - Brothers, Jacob (Fm) (Same)
"The Brothers Come to Egypt/ Grovel Grovel" - Narrator, Ensemble(Eb_Gb) (D_F)
"Who's the Thief?" - Joseph, Narrator, Brothers, Ensemble (Ab_F) (Ab_G)
"Benjamin Calypso" - Judah, Brothers, Ensemble (F) (Same)
"Joseph All the Time" - Narrator, Brothers, Ensemble (F) (Same)
"Jacob in Egypt" - Ensemble (C) (Same)
"Any Dream Will Do (Finale)" - Joseph, Narrator, Ensemble (C) (A_C)
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Thomas Peters
Theatre and Speech Teacher
The Summit Country Day School
Cincinnati OH
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-24-2020 16:56
From: Michael Busani
Subject: "Joseph" Regular vs Megamix
Hi all,
I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during these crazy times.
I was wondering if any had more insight into the the two different versions of "Joseph" available for license. I have directed the Megamix version (with about 40 kids) before but am considering doing the Regular version with a much smaller cast (about 14 kids). I have two main questions...
1. Is the 1982 Original Broadway Cast Recording identical to this version? I love the transition from the Prologue into Jacob and Sons (skipping over Any Dream Will Do), but am not sure if this is actually within the score.
2. Are the orchestrations stripped down or just smaller versions of the Megamix? Again, relating back to the 1982 OBC Recording and whether this is an accurate representation.
Hopefully some people can shed some light!
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Michael Busani
Boston MA
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