Jesus Christ Superstar

It was exciting to see Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar to the Barrfield’s Theatre in Largs.  And a little more appropriate as it was Good Friday.  The staging was very clever, with the band on stage, on top of a steel structure and a cross shaped ramp providing a simple set, with a clear message of what show we were about to see, and was used exceptionally well by the cast and crew.  The musical which is mostly sung, focuses on the Gospel’s accounts of the last week of Jesus’ life starting with the preparation for his arrival in Jerusalem and climaxing with the crucifixion.  A big part of the plot focuses on Judas, his inner struggle with his relationship with Jesus and the concern about the direction Jesus and the disciples are going.  Taking on the two main demanding roles of Jesus and Judas were Jordan Benacci and Andy Park respectively.  Both gave strong confident characterisations, which teamed with impressive and consistent vocals throughout bared the emotion behind each word they sang.  For Andy the very moving number ‘Judas’s Death’ culminating in a clever stage of Judas taking his own life was fantastic.  It also left me and a lot of the audience gasping with the realness of the moment Andy threw himself off the staging to hang.  Credit must also be given to the stage crew for this technical success.  With Jordan featuring in most of the vocal numbers, the stamina he sustained was magnificent, and the crucifixion scene itself left the auditorium silent as he stood on the cross.  Again congrats to the crew for this staging, and to Jordan for having the trust with the set to perform this challenging emotive scene.  Providing a soft edge to the show in contrast to the two leading male characters was Sarah Dillon as Mary Magdalene.  Sarah’s gently characterisation was excellent and teamed with controlled and soft vocals complimented the rock numbers well.  With spirited performances from the other principas; David Cameron (Pilate), Peter (Calum McVittie), Simon (Allan Penders), Caiaphas (Alasdair Black), Anna’s (John Scott) and The Priests (Hugh Douglas and Frazer MacPhail) the male leading cast was almost complete.  Well apart from the hilarious David McGarvey as Herod, who in his one number brought excitement, humour and charisma to the show.  The Soul Girls; Laura Newton, Jacqui Park, Star Penders and Morag Robertson lead the outstanding ensemble as they featured throughout in various characters to bring the main chorus songs to life.  A huge well done to Musical Director David for the excellent vocals, harmonies and music throughout.  All the movement was very keeping with the numbers, whether serious or fun and recognition to Producer Irene for this.  It successfully felt like one solid piece of theatre.  Congratulations to the entire club for this production.

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