Jesus Christ Superstar

Lyrics by Tim Rice with Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar was their first musical produced for the professional stage over 40 years ago. A dark rock opera seen through the eyes of Judas Escariot.

Five Towns Theatre unrelentingly show after show, bring quality musical drama to the stage, the presentation, look and feel are of a professional standard. From the first notes of the incredibly tight ten piece band leaving the P.A. System I had a familiar warm feeling of expectation of the show to come.

Andrew Turner as Judas was outstanding, the vocal dexterity shone from his opening number, fabulous light and shade and powerful presence. A great performance all round. The obvious tensions between himself and Jesus were physically portrayed with real passion.

Nathan Adams as Jesus, should be fronting an arena touring rock band, what an amazing vocal range this young man has, hitting notes effortlessly with power and precision, also a tender fragility in moments that came across so well. The emotive Last Supper, the capture, torture, examination, Crucifiction scenes were so brilliantly staged all the while he meekly and almost regally stayed calmly in character, enduring all. Excellent.

Miriam Mould as Mary again really good performance, thoughtful and beautifully sung numbers, definitely need to see and hear more from her in the future.

Pilate, Jordan Harrison a commanding performance, masterly, tongue in cheek, compassionate, he had fun in this role and it showed.

Likewise the rest of the named characters, Ciaiaphas, Katie Leath; Annas, Molly Joynson; Herod, Sam Harrison; Simon, Ben Birkett; Peter, Lewis Harrison; always engaged, enjoying performing, giving their collective best efforts for the show throughout. As did the whole of the fifty odd cast members many playing multiple roles, the singing and in particular the harmonies were so well drilled and sung it belies the tender ages some of these performers actually are.

Director's Keith Ragdale and Abby Evans, know their cast members so well, they get so much out of them. Having the actors integrating and working around the band, the great use of levels added a real dynamic to scenes, beautifully lit, excellent sound throughout, oozing quality.

As ever Keith also had his Musical Director hat on – I must compliment each and everyone of the ten piece band, they did seem a little quiet at the start for me, that said I heard every instrument crystal clear, their collective efforts, not just in the execution or the interpretation, it was the subtle nuances and tones of each instrument which added a sparkle to the overall sound, brilliant score from 1998 I believe Keith told me, Loved it.

Choreographer Ed Costello, created great flourishes of movement, be that en masse or in small groups the visuals were well crafted throughout the production, costumes also worked well throughout, denoting different groups of performers.

Five Towns has delivered a Hell of a show, powerful, passionate and visually dynamic.

 

 

 

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