JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1970 Rock Opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical is sung-through with no spoken dialogue and is based on the Gospels’ account of the final week of Jesus’ life. I attended Fusion’s 2007 production of this show and was impressed by the mature presentation – which is still maintained although many young people have passed through the company’s ranks since then.

The Set was similar to 2007 - scaffolding with plenty of platforms; and projections on the cyclorama at the back. Props were kept simple -I liked the row of pallets which became the long table for the ‘Last Supper’ and the Cross which was slowly raised by hand for the Crucifixion. Sound and Lighting were atmospheric with good sound effects and use of dry ice. Costumes were modern with carefully chosen outfits for specific principals which were all appropriate for today’s youth. The Chorus and Apostles wore jeans and plain coloured T-shirts while Jesus wore a white T-shirt, then a white floor length gown and later a loincloth. Judus was suitably attired in black and then added a red T-shirt and black leather coat; the priests and Pilate wore black suits. Herod was flamboyantly clad as an Elton John lookalike while Mary Magdalene began in a long red dress but changed to jeans for the ‘Last Supper’. All had symbolic meaning.

Everyone on stage was superbly engaged in the action and harmonies were good. Annas (James Marsden) and Caiaphas (Daniel Marshall) sang the low bass and counter tenor of “This Jesus must Die” and “Blood Money” extremely competently and, as antagonists, showed their fear of Jesus as a threat to them and their religion

In suitably sneering manner. Rory Jeffers also showed strong vocals in his role as Pontius Pilate singing “Pilate’s Dream” while Conor Taggart lightened the tone and brought much needed humour as King Herod. I think he was really playing his pink baby-grand – if not he gave an excellent imitation! His dancing girls provided the choreographic highlight of the show and accompanied the comically opulent Herod very well. Of the Apostles – Braiden Lenaghan, Chrissy Corry, Jason Tsoutsas, Samuel Milford, Patrick Glover, Stefan McVeigh, Rory Jeffers, Conor Taggart, Nathan Reilly, Ian Simpson and Ethan Haddock – Nathan was strong as Simon Zealotes who was keen to lead the men into battle and Ian naïve, as the weak disciple who denied Jesus to save himself. Both were noticeable in their characterisations.

Ethan was outstanding in his role as Judas, showing his agony in taking difficult decisions and singing with amazing intensity throughout. Jessica Webb was a strong but sensitive Mary Magdalene. Her rendition of “I don’t know how to love Him” was beautiful as was “Everything’s alright” with Jesus as she comforted him after a long and tiring day. Stuart Anderson put total commitment into his role as Jesus. Seemingly quite relaxed as his week began, he became more and more energised, reaching a peak of emotion by the time he sang “Gethsemane”.

Thereafter his portrayal of Jesus’ 39 lashes, carrying the Cross and the Crucifixion were utterly believable. There was a tangible feeling of emotion in the audience.

MD Ian’s ten piece orchestra, with impressive acoustic guitar, produced an authentic Rock sound but maintained a good balance with the stage. Choreographer Jillian moved the large cast with precision and energy and there was always a sense of urgency and drama. With his Director’s hat on, Ian enabled his fast moving production to still be very impacting. The tired Jesus being confronted by cripples, beggars and lepers pleading for his help was particularly effective as was the whipping of Jesus with 39 individuals each delivering a ‘lashing’ of blood to his body. The Crucifixion scene with Jesus’ final words on the Cross ending the show and then silence without any bows, left the audience in uncertainty and shock – which was, I think, the effect he wanted.

As usual, Ian’s commitment to this youth company was obvious. My thanks to everyone involved in any way. I was sorry that snow prevented the Noda Officials from coming over from Wales. They would have been impressed.

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