Joseph review: Show about dreams gives Shane Crawford a new one

He’s an AFL legend with a successful media career but now Shane Crawford is feeling energised on a new playing field at the Regent Theatre.

AFL legend Shane Crawford’s victory cry after Hawthorn won a flag in 2008 became a call for the ages.

“That’s what I’m talking about,” Crawford said triumphantly, citing, of all things, a popular catchphrase used by Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines.

In Hines’ expert hands, the sassy saying was reward for an excellent performance, and acknowledgment of the required hard work, training and commitment.

For Crawford, that moment at the MCG was perfectly captured by his fiery words.

Fourteen years later, after a successful media career, and $2.5m raised for breast cancer charities, the father of four has found himself on another important Melbourne stage.

Shane Crawford at the Regent Theatre.

He made his musical theatre debut, aged 48, playing the Pharaoh in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, at the Regent Theatre on Wednesday night.

The Pharaoh, a rock star part with obvious nods to Elvis, plays like a cameo role, with a flashy entrance, and a little attitude on the throne, before the king explodes into song.

First-timer Crawford made the most of the material and brought his natural charisma and broad likability to the role.

There was a sneer here, a side-on hip thrust there, dance steps with Paulini, and his voice easily hit the money note on Song Of The King’s crescendo: “Won’t you tell me what this crazy dream really means?”.

Shane Crawford performs as the Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Picture: Nui Te Koha

But sometimes his performance felt a little stiff. His voice and performance instincts are definitely up to the task, so here’s hoping Crawford finds more nuance, swag — and fun — in the Pharaoh, once he learns to relax and gains more confidence with the role.

Euan Fistrovic-Doidge, as Joseph, and the always-impressive Paulini Curuenavuli, as the Narrator, are exceptional leads, with soaring vocals and effortless poise in the spotlight.

Special mention, too, to the powerful chorus of Joseph’s brothers, and energetic kids ensemble, who got some of the night’s biggest cheers.

But how wonderful that Crawford, touched by a family tragedy earlier this year, is feeling re-energised on a new playing field.

Indeed, a show about dreams has given Shane Crawford yet another.

That’s what I’m talking about.