BY MARK McKELVEY
SINCE its first production in 1968 the popular musical based on the biblical tale of Jacob's son Joseph and his 11 brothers, has proven to be one of the most enduring and endearing shows of all time, and that trend is set to continue this weekend at Drumquin Youth Centre – with a twist.
For three nights only it will be more a case of Josephine and her Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat, as young starlet Eilish Gallagher takes the title roll. The show starts tonight (Thursday) with the curtains being pulled at 8.30pm sharp with the final show this Saturday night, April 21. Admission £5, children £3.
Credited to its family friendly storyline, universal themes and catchy music, Joseph is one of the most popular titles in musical theatre history, which has contributed in stirring the enthusiasm of the 29-strong cast whose ages range from seven to 16.
Costume designer Concepta Skelton, who has helped musical director Brian McDevitt and producer Mairead Hughes during the past three months of rehearsals, explained the reasons for staging this production.
She said, "The children didn't have much do in Drumquin and were getting bored of the same activities all the time at the youth centre so we thought why not try a musical as something different to get the children excited and active and the positive response that we have got is brilliant.
"There was a time that they didn't want to come to the youth club and we had to find a way of bringing them back, and this is something that we thought of and thankfully, well hopefully, it has all been a success as all the hard work from everyone involved deserves it.
"The 29 children have been coming week after week rehearsing and now we are seeing the final outcome of that hard work and dedication."
This is the first show the youth centre has put on in quite a number of years, but as it has proved such a success in developing confidence in the children, Drumquin Youth Centre has aspirations of making this a regular activity on their calendar.
Concepta said, "Hopefully if financing allows it, we may be able to make this an annual event as it would be a shame now to not continue in the years to come.
"The children have really taken to this, so much so we are considering the possibility of running a weekly drama class in the youth centre in the winter months as the interest for the show has been very good. This offers something different to their daily social routine, getting them away from in front of a computer or TV and getting socially active and enjoying themselves.
"You can see now how the hard work by the children under the tutelage and guidance of Brian and Mairead is really paying off. From having a nervous voice at the beginning, the change in personalities is amazing. It has proved to be a real confidence builder for the children and are now projecting their voices.
"There is a successful local drama group, Drumquin Players, and hopefully this could be the first step into the world of acting, breeding them for a future roll with the players."
Concepta thanked all those who have generously given up their time to make this performance possible with particular reference to Teresa O'Kane scenery, Justin O'Doherty and Eddie Fitzpatrick, lighting and sound as well as their main sponsors; Marcus Kerr Design, Garden Creations, Stephen Kay (BGI), C&C, Coca Cola, Drumquin Women's Group, Patrick McCrossan Electrical and Gerard Skelton Joinery.
