The Millennium School, Dubai, will present a pop musical titled Any Dream Will Do at the school premises. It is directed by Kevin Oliver, group cultural coordinator, GEMS.
The show is an adaptation of the successful Andrew Lloyd Weber musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Father and son
It tells the story of Joseph, who has 11 brothers but is his father, Jacob's favoured son. His father gives him a coat, which angers his jealous brothers so much that they sell him into slavery.
The story follows Joseph's fluctuating fortunes, his eventual rise to prominence in the Egyptian Pharaoh's court, and his reconciliation with his siblings.
Through its witty lyrics and exuberant music, the show presents age old values in a contemporary and entertaining format.
First extravaganza
"This show is very special to me because I made my directorial debut at the age of 18 with this pop opera. I just loved every bit of the music, the simplicity of the language, the images of the movement and the swirl of colours in the costumes. I remember that I staged my first extravaganza with a budget of just Rs 1,000, but it received rave reviews and I have not looked back since," Oliver says.
Reinvented the show
"After writing, directing, composing and choreographing many musicals, operas and fashion events, I now venture into the 'Joseph' territory again. I have reinvented the show, changing the script slightly and giving the show an MTV feel with three giant screens doing what sets used to do. The screens set the mood and bring colour to this modern production," the young director adds.
Enchanting the audience
The entire story is told through songs with no speaking lines at all. Oliver auditioned every student from middle to high school to select the best singers.
Varun Kattukaran plays Joseph, while Thanu Koshy, Jisha Wilson and Syed Hashim are the three narrators, enchanting the audience with textures of contralto, soprano and tenor.
The choir of boys and girls on either side of the modernistic stage work with the show in four part harmony.
70's and 80's style dances
Talented student Vaishali Bharadawaj has choreographed the 70s and 80s style dances, Jeeve Mathew and Rohin Joseph have helped with the music direction and students and teachers of The Millennium School have been involved in every aspect of the production such as sets, costumes and make-up.
Any Dream Will Do
Directed by Kevin Oliver
Venue: The Millennium School, Dubai today, tomorrow and Tuesday and the Wellington School, Dubai on Wednesday and Thursday.
Time: 8pm to 9.30pm (special morning shows for schools only)
Entry: Free and by invitation only
For invitations: Call The Millennium School on 04-2988567 during school hours.
