Pharaoh Story - Maria Friedman | Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1999 Film)

“Pharaoh Story” performed by Maria Friedman as the Narrator. From the 1999 film version of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ with Lyrics by Tim Rice & Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
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Lyrics
… Pharaoh, he was a powerful man
With the ancient world in the palm of his hand
To all intents and purposes
He was Egypt with a capital 'E'
… Whatever he did, he was showered with praise
If he cracked a joke then you chortled for days
No one had rights or a vote but the king
In fact you might say he was fairly right wing
… When Pharaoh's around
Then you get down on the ground
If you ever find yourself near Ramesses
Get down on your knees
… A Pharaoh story
A Pharaoh story
A Pharaoh story
A Pharaoh story
… Down at the other end of the scale
Joseph is still doing time in jail
For even though he is in with the guards
A lifetime in prison seems quite on the cards
… But if my analysis of the position is right
At the end of the tunnel there's a glimmer of light
For all of a sudden, indescribable things
Have shattered the sleep of both peasants and kings
… Strange as it seems
There's been a run of crazy dreams
And a man who can interpret could go far
Could become a star (could be famous, could be a big success)
(Could be famous, could be a big success)
… Strange as it seems
There's been a run of crazy dreams
And a man who can interpret could go far
Could become a star (could be famous, could be a big success)
(Could be famous, could be a big success)
… Strange as it seems
There's been a run of crazy dreams
And a man who can interpret
Could go far
Could become a star (could be famous, could be a big success)
(Could be famous)
Could be a star!
----
In the summer of 1967, Andrew Lloyd Webber was asked by Alan Doggett, head of the Music Department at Colet court, St Paul’s Junior School who taught his younger brother, Julian, to write a ‘pop cantata’ for the school choir to sing at their Easter end of term concert.
Andrew immediately approached his friend Tim Rice to ask if he would write lyrics for the project. After toying with ideas about spies, 007′s and the like, Tim suggested the story of Joseph.
The first performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was on a cold winter afternoon on 1st March 1968 at the Old Assembly Hall, Colet Court, Hammersmith.
Accompanied by the School orchestra and conducted by Alan Doggett, the performance was only 15 minutes long.
It was such a success that a second performance was arranged on 12th May 1968 at Central Hall, Westminster, where Andrew’s father was the organist. Julian Lloyd Webber gave a classical recital in the first half, along with Bill Lloyd Webber. The audience of approximately 2,500 consisted mainly of parents of the Colet Court boys. To Andrew and Tim’s surprise, Derek Jewell, Jazz and Pop Critic for The Sunday Times, saw the show and wrote a favourable review of Joseph, which appeared on 19th May 1968. A third performance took place on 9th November 1968 at St Paul’s Cathedral, where Joseph was expanded to include songs such as ‘Potiphar’ for the first time.
#PharaohStory #DonnyOsmond #JosephAndTheAmazingTechnicolorDreamcoat #AndrewLloydWebber #TimRice

[@timmyeyre]

Donny Osmond was really good, he had a depth and an honesty. I have to say though Maria Friedman totally stole the show in this version of Joseph. Her voice is like a new frequency of light that emanates from inside the deepest reaches of your soul

[@mattbod]

The narrator here is brilliant she has bags of charisma and can sing too.

[@keithhamilton9707]

“No one had right or a vote but the king. In fact you might say he was fairly right wing.” I’m screaming 😭

[@misterrkalebhimself]

Tim Rice never misses

[@Tyler_Mills26]

I've only just got that joke xxx

[@turnipcrazy4602]

Wow until I saw it written out I never clocked that joke. Amazing lyrics!

[@barbarapatocka4232]

Absolutely adore Maria Friedman. As the narrator, she was magnificent. Love her voice.

[@finleyforevermore]

Short story: When my brother and I first listened to the soundtrack, we thought they said "Could be famous, could be an exorcist" for some reason.

[@aliciamoulton6876]

😆😆

[@Padwarner4452]

That’s the sort of thing I would’ve thought when I was younger

[@annalopes7820]

Hahaha! That's funny 😅

[@fknsydney222]

when i played her role in my school's version of this play, this was my audition song and i'd like to say NOBODY compares to her🥺

[@Dank-Hill]

I’ll never forget this show. I saw it a couple times when I was an actual toddler. One of the times, I think the first time, when Donny walked offstage, I yelled “WHERE’S JOPHIS?!?” 💀😅

[@lillymsf5946]

omg That's adorable XD

[@Dank-Hill]

@@lillymsf5946 I’m pretty sure the ENTIRE theatre heard me. 😆

[@lillymsf5946]

@@Dank-Hill That's ok i had a similar experience myself. When i was four, i saw my dad in a production of 'Annie Get Your Gun' and the second he walked out on stage, i whispered, louder than i should have, "THAT'S MY DAD!" Everyone in the theatre laughed and i still cringe at it to this day XD

[@LibRoseITM]

She is just PERFECT in this role!

[@christinanagy5062]

I love her voice!

[@Nooticus]

One of the best songs ever in my opinion. The instrumentation is just *chefs kiss*

[@matgraham7949]

Wow those are some talented people out there

[@kingkold5875]

love from india ...... we did a re act of this same very play ....... since i was a kid ....i was in the choir ...... loved every day of practice and loved every moment of this

[@MagicSilver1000]

My friends sister was in this, even now when I watch it I always look out for her

[@aoifeburns6741]

Which one is she?

[@MagicSilver1000]

@@aoifeburns6741 she was one of the kids that go up on stage every now and then and she was in the 3rd row when the narrater walks in

[@aoifeburns6741]

@@MagicSilver1000 haha that’s amazing

[@zainali-lm4zr]

Her voice is so powerful

[@annemariebuckle3963]

This song is so inspiring.

[@alexanderharrop1940]

I used to play the main lead role as Joseph and it was really fun to do and i became so addicted to it every time i watch it

[@petrstanovsky7648]

Those kids in the choir are so cute. And they sing very nice.

[@newglappy2389]

2:28 Basically the only reason I re-listen this song

[@this_Joe_Smith]

Yes, totally with you on that

[@ejayetang7582]

my Childhood 😭😭 thank you mom

[@darrensherwell49]

I saw this show in Melbourne Australia at the close of the season. I must say that it is the best show I have ever seen. I cannot explain to you how much it meant to me. At the moment no one can understand the significance of what I am saying but soon you may.

[@meganconnell6853]

I remember this.

[@Sita_Schioetz]

This is such a beautiful song!

[@NPA1001]

Beat version of this song

[@Goldenbane]

The lady on the far right at 0:14 is so beautiful!!

[@emilystoycorner]

Geez this barely has any comments

[@michaelhuggler7673]

Just love it

[@noelle_eames]

It looks like she is having fun! Love her energy. Absolutely crushed it

[@gurkiratsvlogs6415]

this is how it should be done!!!

[@andygod75]

My absolute favourite. She’s epic

[@jo89kiss]

She was the BEST narrator… my childhood memories of this on video

[@sugarm1860]

Hey....read below if you want to know a naughty fact about the narrator. She was in a show called “Heil Honey, I’m Home!” Though I am glad she was able to get some work after that.

[@CoalDiamondandhisawesomeness]

I've seen that! Who did she play?

[@simonster-9094]

@@CoalDiamondandhisawesomeness She played Eva Braun in the episodes that never aired.

[@CoalDiamondandhisawesomeness]

@@simonster-9094 interesting. I hope those episodes see the light of day because that show is such an odd anomaly. It's not good, but It's something.

[@greggy757]

Not sure why I woke up thinking about this song.

[@Tyler_Mills26]

We all had one teacher like this 2:25 lol xxx

[@kelvinsilveira56]

The final part at 2:53 is my favorite

[@ximeniux]

[NARRATOR] Pharaoh, he was a powerful man With the ancient world in the palm of his hand To all intents and purposes, he was Egypt with a capital E Whatever he did he was showered with praise If he cracked a joke then you chortled for days No one had rights or a vote but the king In fact you might say he was fairly right wing When Pharaoh's around, then you get down on the ground If you ever find yourself near Ramses, get down on your knees A Pharaoh story, a Pharaoh story Down at the other end of the scale Joseph is still doing time in jail For even though he is in with the guards A lifetime in prison seems quite on the cards But if my analysis of the position is right At the end of the tunnel there's a glimmer of light For all of a sudden indescribable things Have shattered the sleep of both peasants and kings [NARRATOR AND LADIES] Strange as it seems, there's been a run of crazy dreams And a man who can interpret could go far, could become a star [LADIES] Could be famous, could be a big success [NARRATOR AND LADIES] Strange as it seems, there's been a run of crazy dreams And a man who can interpret could go far, could become a star [LADIES] Could be famous, could be a big success [NARRATOR AND ENSEMBLE] Strange as it seems, there's been a run of crazy dreams And a man who can interpret could go far, could become a star [NARRATOR AND ENSEMBLE] Could be a star!

[@alexanderharrop1940]

How long did you write it that was an outstanding song lyrics you made there it makes me want to sing it all over again

[@audreyrichardson3218]

Thank you. I'm studying this for an audition.

[@bootsycorsaro8002]

Thank you so much for doing this :3

[@Scsigs]

Oh my god, I finally got that "you can say he was fairly right wing" joke. Ha!

[@jaydenmanalo6057]

Scsigs I don't get it

[@Scsigs]

Political humor.

[@jaydenmanalo6057]

Scsigs ?

[@Emma-dv2yh]

@@jaydenmanalo6057 You'll learn as you get older

[@meh62]

I hope all the adult jokes are as innocent as this one

[@juliawise9158]

Woo

[@paulwagner688]

Maria Friedman is to British theater what Audra McDonald is to American theater.

[@officialmichaelcarrasco]

No, no, nooooooo-no, no. No.

[@glen7318]

Maria is irritating and I wish someone else was playing the narrator

[@origamipein18]

Nailed it! 😄

[@thread20]

2:27 is when I became the man i am today

[@petermcnallt12pm]

you'll have to explain that one to me...I don't get it, went back and watched it a few times, don't know what I'm missing...

[@simonster-9094]

@@petermcnallt12pm I think he's actually referring to 2:25 when the sleeping guy wakes up. That part ends at 2:27 and must have put that as the time stamp by mistake.

[@kako2776]

@@petermcnallt12pm I think it's the power of her voice

[@officialmichaelcarrasco]

@@kako2776 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4HTXqF4ar6FjM0

[@christopher_amor_02_animat79]

@@simonster-9094 the guy asleep who plays Reuben the eldest of the brothers

[@annemariebuckle3963]

Pharaoh is a strong man.

[@scribblebee5412]

1:26 glimmer of light 🙄

[@silenceseppo7079]

I like maria Friedman and Linzi hately equally, I prefer maria but linzi is amazing in her own way. (Linzi is from the 1991 London palladium recording)

[@leeriches8841]

I prefer Linzi as that's who I grew up listening to. But my all-time favourite is Ria Jones, who played the Narrator alongside Philip Schofield as Joseph, saw them twice.

[@michaeltrew7683]

Linzi Hateley is just amazing - the standard by which all other narrators should be judged. And this year, 2021, she returned to the role at the London Palladium and witnessed a huge outpouring of love, affection, respect and appreciation. She’s so grounded and down-to-earth too. 😊

[@silenceseppo7079]

@@michaeltrew7683 I had watched this 1999 version from a young age and thought I’d come back to listen again and that’s how I found out about Linzi’s version. Searched for the soundtrack on Spotify and linzi’s was the first to come up. I became a very new fan. I booked to see Linzi at the Palladium in August but unfortunately she wasn’t well(it happens), but on the plus side of that I did get to see Rochelle instead, she was amazing. I really hope if they do a cast recording we can get a version with each of the four narrators, Alexandra, Linzi, Rochelle and I believe there is another stand in narrator though I can’t remember her name.

[@michaeltrew7683]

@@silenceseppo7079 The other cover narrator was Abigayle Honeywill.

[@reganmclellan7188]

i never understood the right wing joke when i was a kid... but i do now lol

[@gogleeyou6001]

Pharaoh is my foot 🦶👣

[@Noahide]

Kanye West as Pharaoah in an American Production. Jason Biggs as Joseph.

[@AssassinsRush1]

Why is this video is soft on volume?

[@MostCommentsAreFake-ud8by]

What would the world be like if everyone was a brilliant singer ?

[@emailerr]

We would all go randomly sing audition pieces in the middle of the street or in conversations

[@katykinch2213]

I like song practice it for next show fabba theatre company

[@mikeor-]

During Joseph's time, either Hatshepsut or Tuthmosis II was the Pharaoh. Ramesses I was the founder of Dynasty XIX and he did not know Joseph, so this song is incorrect,

[@honeyfrost3355]

You must be fun at party's, plus nothing in the Bible happened.

[@katieminns9778]

I always wonder why the girl at 1:26 rolled her eyes

[@katen74]

Hi

[@haveaniceday8834]

Unless you are Laurie Beechman or Maria Friedman it is illegal to sing this song.

[@silenceseppo7079]

I think Linzi hately also did a great job. I like her “could become a star” at the end the most.

[@officialmichaelcarrasco]

Laurie, Eden, Diana, and THIS Goddess I think you meant to say. 😎 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4HTXqF4ar6FjM0

[@phoebelim4941]

@@officialmichaelcarrasco i cannot believe how amazing she is. thank you so much for sharing that clip here! it's criminally underviewed, i fully cried with joy listening to that (sad as it seems) hahaha

[@officialmichaelcarrasco]

@@phoebelim4941 She's unreal. I do enjoy Maria as well, tho. Ha

[@Emma-dv2yh]

Omg she says CHUCKLED for days not CHALKeled for days

[@jaysheppard1728]

She says chortled not chuckled....it's another word for laughing

[@Emma-dv2yh]

@@jaysheppard1728 must be a posh word lol

[@MrBouncyballoons]

Really Emma No, it is just proper English

[@Emma-dv2yh]

@@MrBouncyballoons yeh so posh lol

[@annatabner8459]

Really Emma it really isn’t lol😂😂

[@Scottwilkie18]

2:24 what the what the

[@elohimsvenchaimklonhammer708]

PIEP 💜 TIPPI QUEEN 👑 Q 🥧 P I E/K,I,N,G, RÁ 👍 F A R Á O F A RÁ O /P/H/ A/ /RÁ\ Ó /RÁ\ OR /RÉ\ OR /RÈ\ 🐜 i 👽\ xXx /xYz\ t,r,é,é /🎄\ #LETITSNOW 🤪