The joint Bingara Central School and North West Theatre Company production, “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat” was by all accounts, a huge success.
The week of performances was a demanding one for all involved, with four matinees and one evening performance in five days.
Reviews of the production were enthusiastically glowing, with patrons extremely impressed with the professionalism of the show.
North West Theatre Company President, John Wearne said that the production was “one of the greatest things that has been done in the community for a long time!” He said the musical had exceeded his highest expectations, becoming the most sold out production the Roxy has staged. There was a waiting list of more than 50 people wanting tickets.
Mr Wearne said that the theatre company has a very good record in encouraging young people to the theatre. “We wanted to involve as many young people as we could and the end result was thrilling,” he said.
All the Primary school students were involved in the play, with Kindergarten, Years 1 and 2 playing the sheep and goats, Years 3 and 4 playing the Ishmaelites and Years 5 and 6 were either in the market scene or in the choir.
Each class group sang a song, written especially for them by Producer, Rick Hutton. Mr Hutton has produced the play on two previous occasions at schools where he was teaching. His experience and ability were greatly appreciated by the staff who assisted in the presentation of the show.
Schools from around the region came to see “Joseph” between Wednesday and Friday and then the public was invited to see the show for a further two performances on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
A grueling schedule for professionals, let alone a large gathering of school children, many of whom live out of town!
The orchestra, made up of the Gwydir Schools Band, being school students from Bingara and Warialda schools, a number of staff members and guest musician Sam Kennedy was according to Mr Wearne “fantastic”. “It gave the production a really professional edge,” he said.
Mr Mark Vale, Bingara Central School Principal was very enthusiastic about the joint venture saying that the production was “a wonderful achievement. The efforts of the children, the staff and the contribution by the community is something we can all be proud of.”
See last week’s school newsletter for more information and photographs of this spectacular event.
