Avondale University was filled with a flurry of over 3000 visitors over two weekends in September for the production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. “To date, this musical theatre season was the largest production in the history of Avondale Conservatorium,” commented Dr Aleta King. “As musical director for this production, none of this would have been possible without the invaluable collaborative team of Sarah Morton (Creative Director), Fiona Donaldson (Dance Choreography), Heather Burzacott and Nicole Meintjes (Producers) and the generous support of Avondale University’s Marketing team and Campus Church community.”
Matinee performances brought local schools onto our Lake Macquarie campus with schools from across the Hunter and Central Coast regions, including, Central Coast Adventist School, Macquarie College, and Heritage College Lake Macquarie. The campus also hosted schools from Brisbane and Western Australia who attended the performances on the first Friday as part of their Avondale tour.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was created by the English composers Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The production brings the biblical story of Joseph to life with vibrant energy, unforgettable songs, and a dazzling display of colour. A timeless tale of dreams, resilience, and triumph, this family-friendly production is filled with humour, heart, and toe-tapping melodies. “With a cast, chorus and orchestra comprised of Avondale students and staff, school children, and adults ranging in ages from 7 to 87 it was a grand community engagement event from beginning to end,” King said of the production.
In 2022, Sarah Morton and Avondale University collaborated for the first time bringing to life a timeless classic, The Sound of Music. This partnership has provided the opportunity for large-scale productions to take place on campus more frequently. It also showcases the talents of the Avondale Conservatorium and university students, to the wider local community. In 2024, they presented My Fair Lady, which brought many people onto the Lake Macquarie campus. Matinee performances were at full capacity thanks to local schools who attended that production.
Avondale Uni is in a position that has the ability to provide opportunities and create a space where young Christians have a safe place to express themselves through music and drama. “What an incredibly rich learning environment and such a unique opportunity for Avondale students to develop their confidence and skills alongside expert mentors,” said King. The university is committed to being a ‘third space’, providing, through arts and culture, a neutral ground for the wider community – people from all walks of life – to engage with the impact we want to make; empowering people to serve their world for good.