CORNER BROOK, N.L. — Simon Boitsefski knew the lead role in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” would be a challenge. The range necessary to sing the songs in the popular music is substantial, which is complicated by the fact he’s 13 years old.
“It is a pretty difficult role singing-wise, especially if like me, your voice is changing,” he said.
Presented by Corner Brook Intermediate School, the popular music will hit the stage at the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre Wednesday to Friday.
Boitsefski was one of four boys in the final audition for the lead.
“I was hoping from the start. Joseph was the role I wanted, but the other boys were all good singers and I knew it could go to any one of us.”
A gold medalist in voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Boitsefski was familiar with the show from an Immaculate Heart of Mary School presentation when he was about eight.
He has been active in musical theatre from an early age and also plays saxophone and piano.
“I love music, but I especially love musical theatre because it allows you to move around and be expressive,” he said. “I’m itching to get on stage as Joseph and I think all the actors feel the same way.”
Playing at the Arts and Culture Centre raises the show to a higher level, he said.
Teacher and director Stephen Perchard first met Boitsefski during a community theatre production of “Fiddler on the Roof” in 2014. He said he’s enjoyed seeing him develop as a singer and actor.
“Joseph is a challenging role, but he has definitely grown into it,” he said.
The cast has been working on the show since October, and rehearsals have ramped up ikn recent weeks.
Perchard said it has been rewarding to see each member of the cast develop and improve their skills during months of practice.
“We’re working with a lot of talent here," Perchard said. "A few people may be on stage for the first time, but others have different amounts of experience. The beauty is they all learn from each other.”
The show has been in the back of Perchard’s mind since being involved with a Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador production in 2001.
It is the school’s third musical, following previous productions of “Grease” and “High School Musical.”
“Our students are in Grade 7, 8 and 9, so it is really important that this be a good learning experience for them, but we’re also committed to providing a very good show which is what people in an arts-rich community like ours want from us,” he said. “With the talent of this group, I’m confident we’ll be well-received.”
The show will also feature a full band playing live for the performances.
