MUSIC THEATRE
Jesus
Christ Superstar, Arena Spectacular (2012)
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Tim Rice
Online
Youtube, The Shows Must Go On (UK production 2012): Superstar 2012 UK
Reviewer: Kate Herbert 4 April 2021
Stars: *****(5)
See also my review of Australian production 2013: Review Superstar 2013
This review appears only on this blog. KH
Laurence Connor's inspired UK Arena production of Jesus Christ Superstar catapults the story of Jesus into the 21st century with the momentum and urgency of a youthful, political revolution. This production streamed on Youtube over 2021 Easter weekend.
Laurence Connor's inspired UK Arena production of Jesus Christ Superstar catapults the story of Jesus into the 21st century with the momentum and urgency of a youthful, political revolution. This production streamed on Youtube over 2021 Easter weekend.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ground-breaking, 1970s rock opera now includes tweets, graffiti, live video, and an exuberant chorus of dread-locked ferals as Jesus' followers.
The story is told through the eyes of Judas Iscariot and Tim Minchin does the role justice. His voice and performance are impeccable, and his Judas is charismatic, sympathetic and strangely alluring, considering the much-maligned Judas betrays Jesus to the Pharisees.
His rendition of Superstar is bold and fervent, and the scene of Judas’s Death is the most poignant moment in the production.
Ben Forster's Jesus is an unsophisticated, intensely human idealist who fights a losing battle amongst corrupt politicians, religious leaders, manic cult followers, despairing youth and a ravenous media circus.
Forster's versatile voice is thrilling and impassioned singing the rock anthem, Gethsemane, but he is equally compelling singing ballads with warmth and subtlety.
The final Crucifixion is remarkable and moving with Forster stripped, beaten and bleeding, then hoisted high on a metal grid while Judas leads a frenzied chorus celebrating Jesus’ death.
Ex-Spice Girl, Melanie Chisholm (Mel C), is affecting as the hapless Mary Magdalene singing I Don’t Know How to Love Him. Radio DJ Chris Moyles appears in his stage debut as King Herod.
On a stage design that includes imposing stone steps and projections of government and derelict buildings, songs such as What’s The Buzz, Hosanna, The Temple and Superstar assume contemporary significance and have resonances of the 2009 London riots and other rebellions.
Lloyd Webber’s music is dynamic, vibrant and eclectic in style and, with Time Rice’s cunning lyrics, the songs advance the narrative and illuminate the characters as only great music theatre can do. Kudos to the two creators.
Connor’s production is cohesive and coherent, miraculously translating Superstar into a dangerous, passionate world of social upheaval, corruption, personal betrayal and potent rage.
by Kate Herbert
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