Shire Christian School students shine in school musical
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Students from Shire Christian School at Barden Ridge took to the stage recently for a sold-out musical season that was almost two years in the making.
The show was initially cast in 2019 but was put on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions.
But the hard work paid off when students presented four performances this month of the multi-award winning Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Director and producer Kathryn Breen said it had been a long journey to take the production to the stage.
"There were times when it was a challenge for me to keep going and I also wondered if it was the same for the students," she said.
"But each week they came to rehearsal, whether it was in person in the hall, spaced out across the playground or on Zoom - they were there.
"During this protracted process these students have reflected many of the same qualities that we see in Joseph.
"One of the hardest things last year for so many was the feeling of isolation that rippled across the globe.
"In the show we see Joseph experience a similar feeling of being alone as he languishes in jail for a crime he didn't commit."
The school's principal Brett Hartley said he was very proud of the efforts of all involved.
He said more than 80 students from the junior and secondary campuses joined the cast of the musical, which was accompanied by a live orchestra.
A former student who graduated in 2020, Amy Crean, returned to play the role of Potiphar's wife.
"Musicals are a fabulous opportunity for students to express their creative talents and to provide enjoyment for others," he said.
"I'm thrilled that we are finally able to put this musical on for our community."
With all performances sold-out, a livestream option was available for one show, with students operating the cameras under the instruction of a professional broadcast director.