Any Dream Will Do

Review

Common Sense Media says

UK singing contest stays true to family-friendly musical.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this British reality competition already ran its course in the U.K. So even though it essentially functions as a commercial for the musical it's promoting (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), it's unlikely to affect your wallet -- unless your kid insists on buying the soundtrack. The good news is that, since Joseph is a family-friendly show, you won't have to worry about graphic language, violence, or sex. There are a few shirtless scenes (a requirement of the musical) and saucy comments, but nothing too racy for kids.

  • Educational value0
    The show isn't intended to be educational, but young viewers will learn a few things about the inner workings of musical theater and the show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
  • Positive messages2
    The show is less catty and drama-oriented than many other reality competitions, and it seems to value passion and dedication to a goal.
  • Positive role models3
    For the most part, the potential Josephs are hardworking and
    talented, and many have inspiring personal stories. The pool of
    auditioners is extremely diverse, with a variety of ethnicities and
    body types represented -- although when it gets down to the final 12,
    the overall look is pretty homogenous (think "slim," "attractive," ...
    and "white").
  • Violence & scariness0
    Not applicable.
  • Sexy stuff1
    Appearing shirtless is a requirement for the role, so viewers will see some bare chests and hear a few sexually charged comments (like "I think you'd look marvelous in a loin cloth!" and "You're ripped!") from the female judges.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism2
    The show's not-so-subtle aim is drumming up interest (and selling tickets) for an upcoming production of Joseph, which goes up four months after auditions begin.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
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What's the story?

In the Broadway-inspired singing competition ANY DREAM WILL DO, 12 hopefuls compete for the coveted title role in a West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Webber himself sits in on the proceedings, with British TV personality Graham Norton stepping in to host. In addition to singing songs from the show, finalists perform pop songs in front of a panel of judges that includes peformers John Barrowman and Denise Van Outen, vocal coach Zoe Tyler, and producer Bill Kenwright.

Is it any good?

 

Serious fans of musical theater -- and of Joseph in particular --
will appreciate the Brits' no-frills approach to this high-stakes talent search, which shuns the sideshow antics typical of U.S. TV talent competitions, instead focusing on the seriousness of the task at hand. (For starters, you won't see anyone auditioning in a chicken suit.)

But even though it's popular, widely performed, and generally profitable, Joseph isn't everyone's cup of tea. It famously incorporates a mishmash of musical styles -- from country to disco -- and also evokes a famous story from the Bible. So if you don't like the show or its songs, Any Dream Will Do probably won't do. For others, it's a dream come true.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how a series like this helps the musical's producers promote their show and sell more tickets. Why open up the field to amateurs instead of hiring a professional actor?

  • Why do contestants have to sing pop songs in addition to songs from the
    show? Do you think the finalists the judges chose are the best
    candidates for the part?

  • Parents and kids can also
    research the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, upon
    which the musical is based.

This review was written by Kari Croop

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
This review was written by Kari Croop
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:BBC America
Cast:Andrew Lloyd Webber, Graham Norton, John Barrowman
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Kari Croop
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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