Jesus Christ Superstar

I first fell in love with this classic Rock Opera after seeing the film version of Jesus Christ Superstar when it released in 1974, whilst I was serving in Germany with the British Army. You could say I was hooked because not long afterwards I managed to find an LP of the Film sound track, in a German shop, which I very nearly wore out over the next few years. This was long before I had even heard of the world of amateur theatre and NODA 

Over the years I have managed to see several excellent theatre productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and I was eagerly looking forward to seeing this BBLOC production.  I was certainly not disappointed because it was a very impressive show.

The orchestra sounded absolutely superb throughout. The introduction to the crucifixion scene was magnificent and unfortunately, because of a technical hitch, the show was stopped briefly, but we had pleasure of hearing the excellent music twice.

I think this production had some of the best singing that I have ever heard in this theatre. The chorus made a wonderful sound. Caiaphas, Pilate and Herod all sang superb, all three had excellent diction, so we could clearly hear every word.  Charles Michael Duke (Judas) and Matthew Traher (Jesus) both delivered outstanding vocal performances. Gethsemane was in a class of its own, and sang with great emotion.

The modern set, mainly steps and roster, generally worked well, the costumes looked very effective and the lighting plot was excellent

Personally I would have preferred to see Jesus with longer hair and perhaps a bit of beard, but that is just my opinion

This production may not have achieved the capacity audiences that BBLOCs two previous productions at this venue managed “Pricilla Queen of the Desert” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”, but it was another excellent show and the cast certainly deserved the standing ovation that they received on the opening night.

 

 

 

 

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