'A fun-loving, all singing, all dancing show'

Institute presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Students are gearing up for five unforgettable evenings of music, drama, and colour as Cavan Institute proudly presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!

This dazzling musical by the legendary duo Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice is set to light up the stage at the Townhall Arts Centre, Cavan, from Tuesday to Saturday, February 11-15 at 7.30pm.

The production will bring to life the biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers, and his iconic coat of many colours. The show follows Joseph’s journey as he navigates the ups and downs of life - from his youth as his father’s cherished favourite to being sold into slavery, and ultimately rising to become a trusted advisor to the Pharaoh.

With its captivating costumes, memorable music, and a heart-warming story of forgiveness and family, this musical promises an evening of fun and inspiration for audiences of all ages.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s works or simply looking for an uplifting night out, this show will leave you smiling, singing, and inspired.

Indeed it is the “fun loving” nature of the show that Adrienne Cunningham, staff officer at Cavan Institute points to when speaking about the production to The Anglo-Celt this week.

This is actually the fourth musical from the Institute and a return to Joseph ‘The Musical’ after sell out performances in 2008.

“It was a great success,” recalls Adrienne.

“It is just a really, really fun, happy show and you can see that shining through. We decided that because it was such an enjoyable production to be part of last time round, we would do it again and it is really coming together beautifully. It’s a fun-loving, all singing, all dancing show with no dialogue.”

There are approximately 30 people involved in the production, including the Institute’s staff, students and their families.

“Our original Joseph (in 2008), who was a student at the time is playing the role of Pharaoh and went on to become a teacher within Cavan Monaghan Education & Training Board,” Adrienne explains. “We also have another lady, Catherine Fitzpatrick, who was in the original show and her two daughters - aged nine and 11 - are now performing.”

At this stage, it’s all beginning to come together.

“There is lots of rehearsing; we’re there Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a few people also gathering on a Friday. We have different people each night so it’s full steam ahead for myself, Paschal Lyons director/choreographer and Sue Dohohoe, musical director.”

Elsewhere, staff members at the Institute are also involved in the Orchestra/band. The coat itself has been created and designed by Cynthia Stweart, Fashion Tutor at Cavan Institute alongside her students.

The art students, led by Edwin Lynch are producing the hand art on the cloth; and the carpentry students under the direction of Des Reilly have created the props. All the students involved are able to incorporate their work as part of continuous assessment within the college.

“We are all getting excited now about the dates; our first show is Saturday, February 15 at 7.30pm. The show has created a lovely atmosphere within the college - you can hear students singing the songs, it really is lovely,” smiles Adrienne.

Of course putting on such a musical requires a massive team effort:

“I want to take the opportunity to thank Cavan Institute’s Director Niall McVeigh; Deputy Directors Evan O’Mara, Louise Clarke and Karen Fitzpatrick; and all the college’s tutors for helping us out.”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat takes place from Tuesday to Saturday, February 11-15 at 7.30pm in the Townhall Arts Centre, Cavan Town. To book tickets, log onto: townhallartscentre.com