As this topic seems to be brought up on a lot of other threads, I thought I would start one thread dedicate to the topic.

How challenging do you think the role of Joseph is? We know the likes of Jason Donovan, Philip Scofield and Donny Osmond have played the part of Joseph. None of them have come from a particularly west end background, although at least the former two have been praise for their performance as Joseph (I've never heard any reviews about Donny so I don't know what he's been like). What do you think that means about the role of Joseph and what is required of the person who plays that part?

Basically I think all the Josephs could sing the role fine.

But the reason why Jason, Philp et all could do the role well was because, they had a certain charisma, they were used to performing and drawing audiences in (not in a musical theatre sense but still) and had the confidence, mental strengh and stamina to do eight shows a week.

I just don't think Craig, Lewis or Keith could hold a west end stage.

I could be wrong but i'm pretty sure that Jason, Philip and co probably had a lot more time to reherse than the eventual Joseph will.

Whenever I've seen the show, I have always been more drawn to the narrator's role. this seems the most challenging part in the show, they are nearly always on stage and keeping the show together. Though the part is usually played by a woman, I think Daniel would be brilliant at it. (I may just go and hide now in case I get accosted by lots of angry kittens - of which I am one!)

I agree with you completely. We know that these boys are capable of singing the role ok. This is clear from the consistently good performances of Close Every Door. However, what we need to know (and what I think is even more important for the role), is whether or not they can act and perform and have the charisma to hold a west end stage.

My personal opinion is that while it is important to be able to sing the role, I don't think being vocally outstanding is necessarily a requirement/benefit for the role of Joseph (I think being vocally good is sufficient). Which is why I don't understand why one of the judges (can't remember who) was talking about finding a song next week to challenge Keith vocally. We know he can sing well. Surely, at this stage, the emphasis should be on finding a song, that is challenging performance-wise.

I agree. In fact I really don't think we really get a good idea who is right for the parts in this way at all, all we see them singing is random disconected pop songs. Just because a contestant might be inconsistent at the songs they are given doesn't mean they won't perform the songs from joseph, or SOM or Grease reliably.

I said the same thing in the Maria show, Maria isn''t a chalenging role vocally at all and all the Marias could sing the songs fine. But we didn't get to see any of the acting. I feel the format really meant the strong actors like Abi and Aoife were at a complete disadvantage.

Then theres also the fact that stage performing is a completly different disipline to tv performing.

Wasn't it written for schools originally? It certainly isn't a hard part vocally, but that isn't to say we want anything other than a first-class singer to win.

The idea of Daniel being the narrator is great. I also thought that Rob McVeigh would make a good Pharoah. And Keith could be Benjamin, the youngest brother.

I agree entirely. It's a very simple role (written originally for schools).

I have posted elsewhere that I think Lee, Daniel and poss. Seamus are worthy of far superior roles.

So, as long as Joseph can sing ok - which they all can now, they would all be fine. I think ALW is now trying to decide who would sell more tickets.

Don't forget the Jason, Donny et al had probably had an existing fanbase who would not have bothered with the show if they were not in it, and someone who got the role by winning a talent show is like to face much harsher criticism. I'm sure a lot of famous people would never get the roles they do in the West End if they had to compete on an equal basis in terms of acting/singing ability ...

You can see Donny singing from Joseph on youtube. He looks incredibly old but has a great voice. I understand he was well received in the states for his performance.

I think that Daniel would make a GREAT narrator - his voice in a way suits that better.

Can't see them casting anyone else from ADWD into it just yet though ...