From medicines to musicals

From a busy pharmacy by day to the spotlight of the stage at night, three friends are swapping their white coats for colourful costumes.

Wairau Pharmacy’s Rebecca Anderson, Joy Moseley and Evelyn Duncan are each performing in Blenheim Musical Theatre’s (BMT) upcoming show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

And with just four weeks left until the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice spectacular opens, the trio are excited about treading the boards.

Pharmacist and owner Rebecca is returning to the spotlight as part of the female ensemble and a lead dancer.

It is her first show with BMT, she says, but added she can’t wait for opening night next month.

“There’s such a variety of people from all walks of life. Everyone comes together with a real passion and camaraderie.

“I have done Joseph before; it’s one I love. It’s such a mixed variety of genre. There’s really something for everyone.”

Starring Spencer Kingi in the title role and Iona Panoho as The Narrator, the show tells the tale of Joseph’s rise from slavery to become the Pharoah’s right-hand man.

With a talented cast and crew of about 100, Joseph promises to be a big hit.

Rebecca’s two daughters, Laura Anderson, 12, and Kate Anderson, 10, are also performing in the show as part of the children’s chorus.

It will be the first time they will perform as a family.

“I’m really proud of them,” Rebecca says, adding the director, Samantha Baxter has a real passion for encouraging young talent.

While the busy days in the pharmacy followed by evening rehearsals make for a hectic time, Rebecca says she is delighted to be part of such a professional cast.

“It’s actually an energising time doing something I love. We’re running on adrenaline and coffee, she laughs.

For PACT Technician Joy, the show will be bittersweet as it is her last one after seven years with BMT.

From creating a snake in a basket, gold pom poms and sheep, the former props manager has turned assistant this year as she prepares to head overseas.

But she will get to watch a performance before she leaves.

“When you’re doing a show, you meet so many people. We all get on well and, for a smaller town, we have an amazing talent pool.

Pharmacy Technician Evelyn is also in the ensemble, returning to the stage after seven years.

Finding she had more time after her daughter left to study at Canterbury University, she turned to her love of performing.

“I love musicals, and this is a chance for me to get back into something I really enjoy,” she says.

She too says the level of talent is impressive.

“It’s amazing when you go along and see what hidden talents people have.

“From the first time we started rehearsing, we just knew it [the show] was going to be really great.”

Joseph is on at the ASB Theatre from 8- 18 May. To buy tickets visit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat - Blenheim - Eventfinda

To be in with a chance to win a double pass to the show, visit Wairau Pharmacy on Scott Street in Blenheim.