Past St Joseph’s School Stanthorpe student Matthew Leigh was only 10 years old when he played the role of Joseph in the school musical “Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat”. That was 10 years ago. Today Matthew is in his second year of study at University of Queensland (UQ) doing a Journalism/Arts Degree with music electives.
Matthew fondly remembers the musical, which was the first major production St Joseph’s School had ever done.
“I was in Grade 5 and the musical was very easy to learn. It was loads of fun,” Matthew said.
After months of preparation, two performances played to over 1000 people. It gave students from both campuses the opportunity to experience music and theatre but it also gave them the opportunity to work together as one school.
Celebrating a decade of school musicals this year was the opportune time then to bring “Joseph” back to life. Pauline Leigh who was the director for the first “Joseph” will once again take on the challenge of musical director with Dave Fleming once again being the producer.
“This is an excellent way to build community among parents, staff and students working together and being proud of their efforts and achievements,” Mrs Leigh said.
Ten years ago some of those students participated in a school musical for the first time. It will be with great sadness that those students will now perform for the last time in this school musical.
With so much history and fond memories, a warm invitation is extended to all past musical performers, stage crew, band members and anyone who has participated in any of the school musicals over the past decade to join the school as they celebrate.
The musicals after Joseph were Oliver, Pirates of Penzance, Back to the Eighties and Bats. After the final performance on Saturday night, May 7, it is hoped to acknowledge these people who have made such an impact and who have supported these musical delights over the past decade.
When Matthew was asked if he was coming back to watch this musical he said, “I am looking forward to coming back to see this musical. I think it’s got a new twist to it. It’s a very inclusive musical with good chorus items.” And yes Matthew does get asked to sing some of the songs from time to time. They are quite catchy after all.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for May 6-7 to enjoy St Joseph’s Musical “Joseph.”
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