The Woodside Choir’s reproduction of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is set for an encore production later this month following countless reviews praising its rock solid cast and its excellence.
It is a double treat for theatre lovers, many of whom filled the seats at the National Cultural Centre on December 30, 2007 for the debut production. The musical was a hit largely due to the solid performances. The classic biblical story of Joseph will come alive again on January 18 and 20, when the same cast will take the stage.
Noted local bass baritone and musician David Dewar of the Woodside Choir, who plays the role of Jacob in the musical, told The Scene recently that they were gratified by the response to the first staging. Since no major musical was produced in the country for a number of years, he said, they worked extremely hard to give the public a good show and are convinced that they did.
“The response has been tremendous since our first show. People have been so good with their praises we felt compelled to stage the musical again. Hopefully the turnout will be the same and, hopefully this time corporate Guyana will come onboard in they way we are expecting.”
The first production was done on a shoestring budget, he said, financed mainly by the Woodside Choir. A few persons chipped in as well, helping with costumes, but many of the sponsors they approached were unable to provide funding. Dewar said they have approached the same sponsors and are awaiting word.
Every year, the Woodside Choir would have a Lenten Cantata but they decided on something different this time. Dewar said they were in possession of the libretto for the musical for some time now and had previously discussed staging it but for a number of reasons did not. Eventually auditions were held, a director was found and production subsequently commenced.
Currently rehearsals are being held for the first show this month on January 18, which is a matinee and will start at 1 pm. The musical has two acts and there is a full cast of musicians including dancers, vocalists and panists. The Marigold Choir is also a part of the production and its director, celebrated local vocalist and musician Lianne Williams, narrates the story.
Actor/director Russell Lancaster, who directs the play, said in his notes that the story is a classic one with all the vagaries of a ‘modern’ soap opera. He said envy, betrayal, deceit, and ultimately redemption as Joseph’s brothers acknowledge their mistake are some of the themes encountered.
Lancaster said it was challenging to work with ‘green’ actors in what might be considered one of the more difficult forms of contemporary theatrical expression but he pointed out that it was also very rewarding to see the extent of the talent available. He noted that many persons played numerous roles and singled out Dewar and his wife, Marilyn; Rita Bowen and Magda Pollard.
The musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the first composed by Webber and was intended for a school production. It became a universal success after Webber and Rice produced Jesus Christ Superstar.
Joseph is based on the story as recorded in Genesis, Chapter 37 onwards of Jacob and his twelve sons.