What Makes the Newest Edition of Joseph the Dreamer Different?

Now playing for a limited run, the musical gets a contemporary touch through its updated musical elements and the cast’s fresh interpretations of their roles.

After its long run and multiple editions, what else can a viewer expect from Joseph the Dreamer? The answer lies in its ever-changing cast: Each actor brings their own personality to the role, making every edition distinct. Perhaps audiences know this, too.

When the Trumpets production opened its curtains for its limited run this November at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City, showgoers weren’t limited to a single age group. From children held in parents’ arms to titos and titas who laughed through every interactive scene, the audience was diverse. What they signed up for, on the other hand, was a contemporary rendition of the show, one that blended comedy and drama with a musical score ranging from hip-hop to R&B.

The musical’s technical elements, along with the cast’s personalities, make the production feel more contemporary while remaining relatable to audiences of all ages. Jordan Andrews, who played Joseph during the opening show, understands that his character is a legacy role.

“The people who have played Joseph, you can’t help but think about Audie Gemora, Gary V, Sam Concepcion, Franco Laurel. And what was really nice is every time I speak to any of them, they always advise me, ‘Do not worry about any of that. Bring your own Joseph.’ They encourage us [to do] it differently,” he tells Vogue Philippines.

Whether it is the radiance of youth, his chemistry with the other cast members, or simply Andrews’ overall personality, the actor seems to charm the crowd effortlessly. This is evident in how naturally the audience interacts with the characters, especially during scenes that call for their participation.

But Andrews’ approach ultimately boils down to honoring the legacy entrusted to him. “I’m just putting in the work that it requires, not just physically, not just what we have to do for the art, but even like spiritually. Like diving in deep and looking at myself and how Joseph is finding that truth here. I think that’s the best way I can honor this role.”

While Andrews approaches Joseph as a legacy role he hopes to make his own, Buencamino finds a more personal connection to his character. As the sole actor portraying Jacob, Joseph’s father, throughout the limited run, he sees the role as an opportunity to reflect on family, forgiveness, and faith. More than anything, he says, playing Jacob reminds him of what matters most in his own life: his family.

“When I do my roles, especially this one, I sort of worry less about what other people will think about how I will look or how I will come out to others, and really show whatever to be myself,” Buencamino says. “At the same time, playing service to the character I’m portraying. Before, I was like, ‘Oh, I have to hide. It is not me, it’s not Nonie, only Jacob.’ But now, it’s really for me. I begin to realize that you really have to accept [that] it’s you, yourself, that you are portraying.”

Representing the rest of the cast, the two actors have immersed themselves in their respective characters, especially in how their roles resonate with their personal faith. Andrews says that what he loves most about his character’s journey is how audiences can relate to the moments in between the major events of the story.

“[The lesson is] you have to do it step-by-step with faith, with perseverance, not knowing how it’s gonna go, not the way you imagine. But isn’t that the beauty when the whole journey becomes the dream?” he says. “You don’t realize it, but then you gotta stop and be thankful. I think that’s the theme of Joseph’s story that I love to highlight.”

Ultimately, while each edition may bring something different to the stage, what remains unchanged is how each actor gives their role meaning beyond the character itself.