Brentwood College School Logo
50p

The Technicolour Dreamcoat Returns

11 October 2020
Emily P, Mackenzie ‘22 ; Photo by Chloe C, Hope '21
For this year's musical, Brentwood will be performing the Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice show, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. It is a musical based on the “Coat of Many Colours” story of Joseph from the Bible. Joseph is the son of Jacob and is one of the twelve brothers; he received the coat from his father and his brothers became so jealous that their dislike for him became even stronger!

Ten years ago the same musical was presented in the Killy Theatre with Head Prefect Daniel Hilhorst, Privett ‘11 playing Joseph. In 2021 current Head Prefect Jack NG, Ellis ‘21 will fill the title role. Robin C, Alex ‘22 will shoulder the vital role of the narrator. Director of Arts, Ms Edna Widenmaier, affirmed “The show’s upbeat message of forgiveness and reconciliation should appeal to all audiences and it is such good fun.”

Many musical rookies like me joined with the worry that we may be the only ones with little or no experience. But it has been a great first month. “As soon as I first walked into the dance studio, I quickly found out that the environment is very inclusive and considerate” stated newcomer Rory P, Mackenzie ‘22. Regardless of ability and dexterity, everyone has been practicing and learning their new parts.
    
We have already put in work focusing on different parts of the musical. Dance has been huge: we are working on correct footwork and memorizing choreography and recently we have begun our stage performance. Ms Widenmaier stated, “Open your eyes wide, and the smile has to come.” On top of the dance aspect, we have been listening to and practising many of the songs. Just recently, we received the cast list, allowing the more experienced performers to begin memorizing their solo parts.

Over the years Brentwood has performed 50 musicals and it is deeply embedded in the school's spirit. Large cast shows allow many students to display their acting, singing and dancing abilities. Due to our new pandemic ‘normal’ this year's musical looks a little bit different. The production must be cast around our cohorts based on brother-sister house pairings and it is continuing to work very well. We further divide by having the singers practise in the Killy Theatre lobby, and the dancers are in the studio, within marked learning group boundaries.

Despite everything going on, the show must go on!

Emily P, Mackenzie ‘22

Latest News