Any Dream Will Do
UK singing contest stays true to family-friendly musical.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
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.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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.
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 31, 2007
- Cast: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Graham Norton, John Barrowman
- Network: BBC America
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Stage musical successfully brought to the screen.
-
American Idol
Long-running music competition is consistently entertaining.
-
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?
Spirited search for a leading lady keeps families in mind.
For kids who love music and dancing
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate