Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar, by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, started as a concept album and opened on Broadway in 1971 and in the West End in 1972, where it ran for over 8 years and became the longest running musical at that time. The story, told entirely through song, tells of the last week of  the life of Jesus, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot and explores the relationships between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples and the Roman Empire.

NYPA’s permanent set was multi-stepped with draped scaffolding and glimpses of ancient portraits. Three of the pieces of scaffolding were in the shape of crosses and there were many entrances/exits to the stage. Few props were utilised leaving most scenes to the imagination and knowledge of bible history. Lighting was key to the success of this piece with wonderful use of haze, pools of light and atmospheric coloured beams. Sound, as is to be expected in a rock opera, was loud but balanced so that most of the dialogue was audible. Costumes in general were modern day slashed t-shirts, with black leather for the priests, biblical uniform for Pilate, all black for Judas and white for Jesus - all thoughtfully designed.

Opening with “Heaven on My Mind”, Aaron Mattlews was a convincing Judas, although perhaps not as ‘angry’ as he might have been. He showed his concern,  and eventual despair abought the path Jesus was taking. Sometimes he was hidden behind large groups of dancers, making it difficult to identify who was singing.  In the role of Mary Magdaline, Mary Mullan was a strong woman whose mezzo-soprano vocals could change from sweet and gentle to ‘belter’ in an instant! Her complex emotional relationship with Jesus was evident. The unusual quartet of Priests – Maille Mehan, Cara McCormick, Maria Loughlin and Aife Corr – were as powerful and threatening as the usual male actors in those roles. “Jesus Must Die” was very well sung, although I did miss the deep bass involvement. Michael Sloan’s portrayal of Pontius Pilate was that of a leader but also a coward. “The Dream” was well sung, as he experienced foreboding on the future decision he would have to make and he coped well with Jesus’ flogging and His final decision. As always the role of Herod gave the audience a chance to laugh at the lightened mood of his song. However, I thought that Chrissy Corry was not given enough opportunity to do full comedic justice to the role.

As the two most featured disciples, Neil Heeney & Oliver Larkin fulfilled their roles as Simon and Peter in the manner expected, with Simon being something of a warmonger trying to push Jesus into leading Jews into battle against the Romans and Peter, in a moment of weakness, denying that he knew Jesus. All the disciples worked hard in their important roles (I noticed 13 disciples at the Last Supper!) although the hardest workers in the whole piece were the ensemble dancers! I don’t know how these very talented people remembered so many routines – and with endless energy! Although they occasionally masked principal actors who needed to be seen and heard, this was definitely a choreographic triumph.

Finally, Darragh Burns, in the leading role of Jesus himself, was exemplary. An amazingly versatile actor, Darragh showed the conflicted mind of the man sent by God to lead the nations of the world, but who was troubled by his forthcoming fate. The vocal range Darragh achieved in his musical numbers was amazing, and as good as any West End star. What a future this young man deserves!

Jordan put a huge amount of thought into directing this difficult musical and gave a vibrant interpretation of the piece.

As M.D. Danny’s Rock Band, hidden away in an anteroom but visible to the cast via TV monitors, was well controlled. The sound of the electric guitar from show opening onward was super. Aveen Stewart’s energetic and innovative choreography was hugely impressive.

It was a pleasure to attend this production - well worth the long journey. My thanks go to everyone involved with this and the other musicals by NYPA that I have had the chance to attend. I assure you that you will be well served by my successor Kerry Kane in future years as you continue to go from strength to strength.

 

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