Hudson pupils to shine in Amazing Technicolor
Hudson Park Schools will join together to perform the popular and vibrant rendition of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at the Guild Theatre next week.
The cast of over 100 pupils from the primary and high school have been rehearsing for 15 weeks to bring audiences a polished performance of the hit musical.
Hudson Park High’s drama teacher Pierre Perold, who is known for producing controversial works, will be directing the production which brings a South African flavour to the biblical tale.
“Our principal is retiring soon and he asked me to put on a light, fun production for the whole family to enjoy. Joseph is a great example of that, but it runs with the danger of audiences seeing the same old, same old. So I’ve added little touches to localise the story and put my stamp on it,” said Perold. “It will still be the classic rendition of Joseph with little statements for the adults that will put more meat onto the bones,” he added.
Joseph will also represent Madiba, while Potiphar will be made to resemble our current president. The message of the storyline is summed up by Joseph’s opening number, Any Dream Will Do, that the dreams of South Africans must be realised.
Perold insisted on no fake beards and professionalism from even the youngest primary school actors. Joseph will be played by multi-talented Grade 11 pupil Thando Dyasi, while the three narrators who harmonise together beautifully will steal the show, according to Perold.
With a live band and choreography by Natalie Oberem and musical direction by Eugene Gouws, Hilarie Rall, Nathan Johannisen and Wesley Wong, the show is sure to be a hit.
The show runs from April 11 to 16 at 7pm each evening. There will be no Saturday afternoon performance. Tickets cost R80 for adults and R50 for pensioners and children. Bookings can be made through Computicket or at the Guild Theatre bookings office.
BY SARAH KINGON