The Power & The Glory

The Power & The Glory is a two-act Rock Opera written by John Crellin and music by Alvin Marper. It chronicles the story of Jesus from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, through the betrayal of Judas, the crucifixion, and the joy of the resurrection, culminating in the Ascension.

There was no set as such just a bare stage with a raised dais to one side, black curtains to the left of the stage, allowing for exits and entrances, a large projection screen, just two simple benches and initially a small table. On the floor to the right of the stage was situated a six piece band with the Drums and Percussionist elevated above them and behind a ‘drum shield’.

Through the playing of the Overture, images of the cast were displayed on the projection screen followed by ‘Memories & Dreams’ Part 1’ sung by Judas Iscariot and the Disciples. Judas was magnificently portrayed by Evan Mason. He was all in black with black lips and eye make-up, definitely signifying the dark and troubled character that he represented. Evan has a superb singing voice which, when accompanied by his terrific acting skills, brought out the anguish and despair in his many songs from the pleading interactions with the Priests, his questioning of Jesus asking him “what are you trying to achieve”, to doubting his actions when Mary, quite forcibly, slaps him, to finally admitting that “It is too late for me”. ’The Anguish of Judas’ when he states that “there is nowhere I can go, I’ve thrown it all away” was an absolutely exceptionally choreographed scene with four dancers so impressively moving around him taunting him as he, with excellent dancing moves, tries to escape. The red lighting added to the ambience which suddenly changed to a black stage with a single white light on Judas, who now, with a crown of thorns on his head, ‘sinks’ to the floor. It was a most moving and interpretative scene. Mary Magdalene and Jesus join Judas and the disciples in the singing of ‘Memories & Dreams Part 2’. Mary was exquisitely played by Laura Ashby, loved the outfit. She has a fabulous singing voice through which she so wonderfully managed to convey the calm, compassionate and the loving devotion she has, towards Jesus. Her rendition of ‘Then I Can Start to Live’ was so soulfully and sensitively sung. Following the crucifixion Mary is totally overwrought as she so heartrendingly and movingly sings ‘Lighten My Darkness’ asking the  question ”whatever else have you in store and please give me strength to carry on”. ‘Memories & Dreams Part 2’ is where we first encounter Jesus as he walked down one of the side aisles of the hall, dressed in all white, and entered the stage. What an outstanding portrayal came from Joshua Young, as Jesus. He portrayed his benevolence and his quiet fortitude with such charismatic emotion but his outburst in ‘The Temple’ and his harrowing reactions to being beaten really reinforced his superb acting skills. His incredible singing voice was awesome none more so than when, following the wonderful ‘Last Supper’ when everyone is asleep, he wakes up, walks amongst them, and so exceptionally heart felt and movingly sang ‘Agony in The Garden’, it was just spine-tingling. The start of Act Two saw Jesus being dragged on to the stage bare chested and bloodied with a crown of thorns on his head and he was ‘nailed’ to the magnificent depiction of a cross on the projection screen. It was so innovatively and awe-inspiringly achieved and was where he finally uttered those immortal words “Father forgive them…I commend my spirit”. However, in this scenario, that is not the end as we witness the finding of the empty tomb and the Resurrection of Jesus. From the beginning to the very end Joshua delivered, through his incredible singing and acting, a most impressive, exceptional, heartfelt and profound portrayal. Following ‘Memories & Dreams Part 2’ we meet the Priests. The wonderful deep and powerful voice of Robert Spencer was ideally suited for the role of Caiaphas and David Thorpe was perfect as Annas as was Dave Sallis as a Priest, who also played a Roman Guard. This gruesome trio, all attired in long black robes, so stridently sang ‘Blood Money’ demanding that Judas point out Jesus to them. They were indeed a tour de force. The triumphant ‘Road to Jerusalem’ was a very vibrant scene followed by the inappropriate disturbing happenings in ‘The Temple’ when Barabbas, superbly played by Jack Laird, tackles Jesus as they sing ‘No Compromise’, a great duet. He impressively fronted ‘Holy Joke’ along with the ensemble and dancers which was another top-notch scene. Danny Winson was splendid as Pontius Pilate he so magnificently sung ‘Prophesy’ with his adorable wife, so well played by Jo Poole especially when she tries to console Mary. I loved the matching purple outfits, his shirt and her dress and shoes - a lovely touch. Later when he questions his principals and reasoning and is trying to defend his actions he so brilliantly sings ‘Pilate’s Conversion’. Another number that was so superbly enacted by Jesus, Mary and the ensemble along with Mary, Mother of Jesus was ‘Risen’. The Mother of Jesus was gloriously played by Dawn Shearwood. Her singing of ‘My Last Goodbye’, with images of Jesus on the screen, was particularly poignant and so heartfelt. There was a very effective scene ‘Shame & Blame’ carried out with the use of torches with Caiaphas, Annas, the Priest and Disciples ending with them all turning to view the projected image of Jesus. Then comes the question of “who will lead us now” and we find the Disciples arguing amongst themselves but Jesus appears to allay their fears telling them “I’ll be there, gather around” and with the Disciples and the Ensemble tells them to ‘Spread The Word’ and the full company so joyously and rousingly singing ‘It’s Not The End’. It was such a moving finale with the whole cast on stage, Jesus joining his Mother and Mary then being with Judas, taking the crown of thorns from his head and all joining together to form a wonderful tableau, then, on to the stage comes Lena Alsop, a very small and cute little girl who so delightfully sings, ‘Epilogue’.

The Disciples, excluding Judas, wore very colourful outfits, and were just all terrific. Their harmonious singing was exceptional as was their many and varied responses to differing situations. They were Jason Finch as Simon, Angie Burns as Bartholomew, Caroline Huxford as James, Alison Doram as John, Alys Raine as Jude, Sam Zablocki as James, Sophie Power as Thomas & Gospel Singer, Liam Power as Andrew, Hailie-Jade Randall as Philip, Jamie Beesley as Peter and Ethan Melo-Brown as Matthew. Giving excellent support was the Ensemble namely Bethany-Mai Radford, Diane Povall, Judith Doram, Katie Moore, Laura Furness, Pauline Hindle, Martha Penny, Jacqui day and Helen Welch. The imaginatively choreographed dance routines were superbly executed by Caroline Huxford, Alison Doram, Alys Raine, Bethany-Mai Radford and Larissa Wallington.

The exceptional singing, acting and the many superb scenes were all enhanced by the impressive lighting plot, the spectacular screen projections, and the crucial sound plot which together with the fabulous costumes, props and stunning makeup, all added to make this a truly outstanding  and most memorable production. But, added to all of that, the absolute finishing touch came from the incredible and unbelievable sound that came from the six piece band. They continually played throughout and what accomplished musicians they all were and, to top that if you can, they were privileged, as was the whole company, to have Alvin Marper, who actually wrote the music for the show, as one of the Guitarists in the band.  

I hope that I have in some way managed to convey the magnificence of this production and to that end many congratulations must go to Director Karl Brennan-Collis, to Vocal Arrangements and Musical Director Helen Ingham, to Choreographer Alison Doram, to the outstanding principals and to the super cast members, to all of the Back Stage Crew, to the fantastic Band and to everyone involved in this tremendously moving and insightful piece of Musical Theatre. My thanks also for the extremely warm welcome that I always receive. I can say without a doubt, that the production most certainly had the ‘Power’ and most definitely the ‘Glory’.

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