Jesus Christ Superstar

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

As I sat down at my seat the first thing I noticed on the open stage was a very impressive set created by the stage manager Simpie and his crew rocks northwest, which provided plenty of entrances and exits which helped with the blocking for this challenging musical.

The lighting done by Scott Ashton and Sound was flawless on the night which helped create this wonderful show.

Costumes also looked amazing, and you could tell that a lot of work and thought had gone into this.

A well-directed orchestra led by Musical Director Mike Ames was very dramatic in places and was a real joy to listen to. Hours and hours of practice between Mike and the ensemble must have taken place as every note was near on perfect.

Jae Wilson provided an outstanding performance dramatizing the suffering of Jesus Christ making full use of his impressive vocal range. His performance was equally matched by Graham Hawley as Judas with once again a great vocal range, they both worked very well together on stage.

Between the two leading male characters was Arien Van Den Elzen as Mary Magdalene, Arien’s gentle characterisation was excellent and teamed with controlled and soft vocals which complimented the rock numbers well.

With confident performances from the other principles, Jacko Armstrong as (Simon), Sam Smethurst as (Peter), Jason Fleming as (Annas), Graeme Wishart as (Caiaphas), Keri Farish as (Pilate) and the priests played by Ellen Elliot, Laura McCarten and Becca Rennoldson. You all played your parts with so much conviction which kept the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the show.

This is a very strong and powerful show but what a relief it was to see Marc Goodwin as Herod who in his one number brought excitement, humour and charisma to the show.

Choreographer Tracy McOuat done an excellent job especially with over 30 people on stage all coming from different entrances so well done.

Now to the Director James Last, congratulations on a very well-produced musical, your attention to detail was once again of the highest level this was a very good show, and the audience really showed their appreciation as they could see how much work must have gone into this.

I have talked about the principles, director, band and set but in my opinion, I have left the best for last, the Ensemble was excellent your movement, timing and vocals gave the show its powerful and dramatic look and you all played a part in this. To have a good show its not always about the main characters but how good the Ensemble can engage with everyone on stage and you all done this very well.

An excellent show, congratulations you really deserve it.

Jim Morgan

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