Is it OK and acceptable for the part of Joseph to be played straight without any flourishes? I've felt there seems to be a trend towards a pop idol portrayal of the part, and I was wondering if the part can work convincingly if it were done "pure" without any additives.

What exactly do you mean by "flourishes" and "additives"? Would you mind elaborating a little more?

I wouldn't want there to be too many pop vocal stylings in the part. I know it has almost always been a part for a pop-based singer, but would a portrayal of Joseph work if it is sung straight?

Sure I think it would work sung straight. Those pop vocal stylings that a lot of guys do are fine, but as long as a Joseph has a good voice, likeable stage presence and (hopefully) decent acting skills, he need not do them.

Have you ever heard the Original Broadway Cast CD? Bill Hutton is far removed from a "pop idol." His voice is a more of old-fashioned Dennis Day-type tenor. But I've always loved him anyway - I've even gone through periods of liking him as well as I like Donny Osmond, though of course the orchestrations and entire feel of those two recordings are completely different.