Jesus Christ Superstar

I was warmly welcomed on arrival and  was able to discuss the performance at the end with Director Chris Bareham.

The hired set was impressive and provided plenty of entrances/exits on several levels which helped greatly with the blocking for this challenging musical. Props were minimal and were moved seamlessly. Lighting and effects were versatile and enhanced the set as appropriate and appeared to bathe the band in a reddish hue! Sound levels were good and added to the melodrama of the script. Costumes were mostly sourced in house with some borrowed locally and were really appropriate to the characters.

The small band, ably directed by Nik Graham was positioned on stage and provided superb support and direction to the cast. This music was compelling and dramatic in places and was a joy to listen to.

Without exception this production was well cast and everyone played their roles with huge enthusiasm and undeniable talent. There was good movement around the stage and some great tap dancing at one point! Vocals from all were well delivered with some exceptionally strong male voices, as befits this musical.

James Clark impressed as Judas with a masterful character interpretation, a really strong voice and good acting skills. I particularly liked his delivery of Heaven On Their Minds and the duet with Jesus, Gethsemane. Chris Bailey played the lead role of Jesus which was his first acting role on stage. He rapidly gained confidence and delivered the part expertly, demonstrating great vocal ability in his duets with Judas. I also enjoyed Chris’s delivery of Hosanna and, with Mary, Everything’s Alright Reprise

Mary Magdalene was beautifully played by Alex Hooker who had an amazing voice and acted with great sensitivity. A highlight for me was her rendition of I Don’t Know How To Love Him which was very emotional. Teegan Deeks was a robust and officious King Herod leading in Herod’s song whilst Phoebe Wiggett had a great role as Pontius Pilate with a fine delivery of Pilate’s Dream.

Peter one of the disciples was competently characterised and played by Sam McCarthy who sang Peter’s Denial persuasively whilst Nikki Heap was a second disciple, Simon. Again she sang really well with good character interpretation.

Mackenzie O’Brien took a great role as Ciaiphas, a pompous and arrogant high priest and contributed to a number of songs demonstrating a strong and competent voice.

The other high priest, Annas, was well played by Susan Dunnett who ably took part in several songs including This Jesus Must Die.

There was a large and enthusiastic ensemble with plenty of action and involvement on stage. Choreography by Phoebe Wiggett was varied and fast and the cast had been well rehearsed in movement. I enjoyed the fast moving routines in What’s The Buzz especially.

There was some real talent on display in this show with powerful singers and good character portrayal. Congratulations to everyone involved in any way, both on and off stage.

Huge congratulations to Director Chris Bareham aided by Ashley Glander for her hard work in bringing out the many talents in this society and for her creativity in bringing this challenging musical to stage. No mean feat ! Well done.

 

 

 

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