NQOMT’s version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat promises to wow audiences with its modern twist on an old favourite.
When it comes to the stage, Townsville is blessed with talent. The city proudly boasts singers, dancers, choreographers, musicians and technical staff that create shows that rival any regional or even national productions.
This month North Queensland Opera and Music Theatre (NQOMT) will again showcase the skill and dedication of the city’s performers, when they bring the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice classic, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to the Civic Theatre.
Director Alan Cooke heads a creative team featuring Meghan Walsh (director of adult vocals), Tony Woodhouse (director of children’s vocals), Paul Neilson (musical director) and Rachel Ahern (director of choreography).
Together they’re putting a modern, rock twist to this biblical story “with the dull bits taken out”.
“This show is fast moving, varied and attention getting,” Alan said. “It is certainly a musical with songs that stay in your head all the way home.”
This is not Alan’s directorial debut. Among his accomplishments are The Student Prince, Annie Get Your Gun, The King and I, Oliver, Annie, The Sound of Music (twice, 20 years apart) and more recently, Mary Poppins. He’s also a seasoned performer, most recently in NQOMT’s Titanic.
“I have a magnificent creative team behind me with this show; Meghan and Tony bring enormous skills to the vocals of the children’s chorus, the principals and the adult chorus and Rachel is creating some amazing choreography which brings out the character and mood of the performers and the story.”
The set is designed by Anthony Roth who also designed Titanic last year and has been realised by Chris Ahern and a volunteer brigade.
“As for the orchestra… these musicians are just fantastic and under the leadership of Paul Neilson will bring these fun, catching and sometimes heart-wrenching songs to life,” Alan said.
Costuming for such a large cast is a challenge but with Carmel Mildren at the helm, audiences can expect a creative and colourful ensemble.
“Her costumes suggest, but don’t necessarily match, more traditional versions of the show – there have to be some surprises and we’re working on them.”
According to Alan, directing a popular favourite such as Joseph can be a challenging but immensely rewarding experience.
“With this show, it feels like taking a pack of well-crafted jigsaw puzzle pieces and putting them together without the full picture in front of you,” he said.
“The challenges are linking a series of episodic scenes artfully and quickly.
“The rehearsals are showing tremendous energy already, the talent in the cast, prompted by the skill and dexterity of the co-directors, is shaping what should be a very satisfying performance for audiences.”
– Director Alan Cooke
“The rehearsals are showing tremendous energy already, the talent in the cast, prompted by the skill and dexterity of the co-directors, is shaping what should be a very satisfying performance for audiences.”
Joseph is also the perfect musical to showcase the city’s youngest performers, with 36 local children aged eight to 13 performing as part of the Dream Chorus.
“These young people must be very disciplined and they are taking this requirement very seriously,” Alan said.
“They are getting the opportunity to hone their stage skills, not only musically, but also theatrically.
“I look forward to all rehearsals but there’s something really special about the Dream Chorus. They have to be seen and heard to be fully appreciated.”
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be performed at the Townsville Civic Theatre from March 22 to April 1. Tickets are $45 adults, $40 concession, $30 students/children and $120 (two adults and two children). To book visit Ticketshop online or phone 4727 9797.
Words: Suzanne Schmidt
Photography: PhotobaseNQ
Make-up: Nikki Noodle MUA