Jesus Christ Superstar 2

REVIEW: Playlover's Production of "Jesus Christ Superstar"
Subiaco Theatre Centre, Perth WA
Saturday the 13th of April, 2002


Director: Alex McLennan
Musical Director: Simon Holt
Vocal Director: Geoff Robinson
Choreographer: Gillian Binks


Here is the second part of my review. In the first part I concerned myself more with major points of the show and the principle characters, in this one I will look at the ensemble, band, musical numbers and other aspects which I missed out on. First and foremost I would like to comment on the ensemble. What an excellent array of talent, enthusiasm and energy. No doubt that Geoff Robinson and Simon Holt worked them to bits because the sound that came out in some of the numbers was truly impressive, gospel in sound and rather angelic at times. I also was impressed by various members of the ensemble who put that extra bit in to the make the scene. And a note to ensemble members, you are being watched- itÂ’s not just the principle players! All in all ensemble was very impressive, the energy and excitement came through and that is very important in a lot of the numbers in this show.

I will say that I was very much impressed by the band itself as well. I wasnÂ’t sure how such a small one would sound, thinking back to the days of the dreaded highschool bandÂ…Â… But no I was very contented listening to the band and I especially loved the way the show began. The band had already begun to show its professionalism in the overture. Speaking of the musical numbers:

ACT ONE:

“Overture”

An excellent introduction to the show, rather humourous at times as displayed by the actions of the Apostles and their interaction with the priests who made an excellent entry in their great, overbearing black robes giving that illusion of darkness to the show. The part where Jesus entered through the cross was quite powerful though I thought that some of the ensemble members may have turned a little too quickly when they began that angelic sound.


“Heaven on their Minds”

Sung amazingly by Judas. I have already stressed Sam RabboneÂ’s Gospel sounding voice which I thought fit the character. I appreciated the entrance and interaction quietly of the ensemble members who still allowed for the attention to concentrate on Judas. Good reactions to Judas from both Jesus and some ensemble members. By the way, the clapping was very effective.

“What’s the Buzz?”

Excellent!! I stress that it was bursting with energy and excitement which I felt was required by the number. JesusÂ’ people want to know what is going to happen next, they are pleading to him and with each other. Excellent reactions and energy in sound - Ensemble, harmonies great. Jesus had a good position on the set and reacted well to the people. Mary made a good entrance in song too. Very impressive.

“Strange Thing Mystifying”

The acting came out a little more in Judas as he confronts Jesus about Mary and the morals of the situation. Only thing IÂ’d really say is that I would love to have seen a stronger reaction from the ensemble to Judas and the situation. If possible more turns towards the audience so we can clearly see more facial expression. Some ensemble members really stood out. Jesus reacts brilliantly to Judas and his people.

“Everything’s Alright”

The first real demonstration in this musical of Gillian Binks truly beautiful voice. Among all the principle male players of the show, Mary Magdalene is like a “rose among the thorns”. There is such beauty to her character, but there is also strength. This number has the effect of being a calm down after the outburst of events which preceded it. I have to say that the lighting was extremely effective, looking kind of like bluishish moonlight which adds to an “end of the day” effect. Great interaction between Jesus, Mary and Judas. I would liked to have seen more from the Ensemble members who seemed quite frozen at times, unless of course that was the way it was intended. Nice, calming harmonies from the ensemble, particularly a nice sound from the girls.

“This Jesus Must Die”

Very haunting and effective. Loved the harmony! Really stuck in my brain! The principles are very suited to their characters and the priests worked to make the scene look rather solemn. Very powerful harmony. There is a sense of chaos in this number.

“Hosanna”

Very energetic! This is a cry of the people piece to my mind as everybody in the crowd is serenading Christ. I loved the entrance! A very enthusiastic crowd! And the quality of the sound and the harmonies was extraordinary! This piece also stuck in my mind! All those involved in the musical direction and direction should be extremely proud, as should the ensemble.

“Simon Zealotes”

Again Thomas Wood brings out his natural feel for the music and is complemented by an extremely Gospel sounding ensemble. A very uplifting piece and I appreciated the movement in this number.

“Pilate’s Dream”

A wonderful, noble sounding voice sung by Jason Seperic. This number brings out who Pilate really is and is afraid to show his people.

“The Temple”

Interesting setup! So much action going on, would liked to have heard a slightly bigger sound and more harmony. Again quite a colourful scene with interesting characters. I noted particularly suspicious looking characters on stage. Belly dancers very effective along with the Lepers on the floor. I very much enjoyed the Leper scene, was quite a contrast to the Temple crowd as we are introduced to the dark side of Jerusalem, very powerful entrance made by Lepers who began clinging to Christ. Fabulous sound by the Leper Crowd. Great pleas made by the Leper soloists.

“Everthing’s Alright/ I don’t know how to Love him”

A lot of beauty in strength in these pieces as displayed by Gillian Binks. I loved the determination shown by her in “I don’t know how to Love him”. She’s a bit quieter than other Mary’s I have seen on stage, but I liked this interpretation. I thought it was a very noble one. Beautiful.

“Damned For All Time/Blood Money”

Powerful. Well done Judas! And also the effect of the priests entering the scene and surrounding Judas. Particularly noted Stuart LaingÂ’s Annas, a very brutal character very effective in this piece. And I thought the ensemble looked very angelic in a dark way, entering in their suits and glasses and then congratulating Judas with angelic sound at the end. Good finish to act one. And the cross lit up beautifully!


ACT TWO:

“The Last Supper”

Very tranquil and a sense of peace. We know where this is heading. Nice harmonies from the apostles.


“Gethsemane”

An example of Paul WhitelyÂ’s strength in acting and his ability to incorporate expression in the face and voice.

“The Arrest”

Again a very interesting scene. I adored the introduction of this scene with a reprise from the Apostles of “What’s the Buzz” and Andrew Baker’s small introduction was notable. Jesus, Ensemble, Guards and Priests interacted well together. I have to say that the suits were very effective as well as the ensemble members as some sort of news reporters. This worked well. I enjoyed the harmonies towards the end…… “Take him to Caiaphas..” etc…

“Peter’s denial”

Good acting in this piece by the two ensemble players and by Peter and Mary and the priest. A demonstration of of Andrew BakerÂ’s competent acting and wonderful tenor sounding voice. Nice entrance made by Mary.

“Pilate and Christ”

Very Powerful. The music was very menacing! Well done band! Excellent work Jason Seperic and Stuart Laing. The character of Pilate is very strong in this number as is that of Annas. Jason SepericÂ’s operatic sounding voice is outstanding and his entrance with that nazi looking costume is very effective. Good facial expressions too.

“King Herod’s Song”

You know what I think of this one! One of the first things that struck me after seeing these gorgeous pink ladies entering whilst still in song and being escorted by gentlemen up the stairs is the sudden appearance of the silver Herod who shone in an outstanding way- giving a mirror ball effect. There is so much to play with in this scene and there is an opportunity to be comical, garish and over the top which is what was done in this show. I loved the costumes of the ladies and of Herod and I adored Chris KabayÂ’s sarcastic crooning along with the choreography of the ladies - specially the can-can bit and the tap dancers! Very effective! This number was very much appreciated and talked about- and it should have been! A very sparkly scene! Well done Terry McAuley

“Could We Start Again Please”

Beauty in harmonies and in the voices of Mary and Peter. A nice position on stage.

“Judas Death”

I would probably have given the same comments as in “Blood Money” A demonstation of Sam Rabbone’s very powerful voice.
I appreciated the crossover from the number made by the ensemble members into the “Trial By Pilate”. Very angelic sound by ensemble and powerful acting by Judas.


“Trial By Pilate”

Excellent work by Jason Seperic and the Ensemble. And not to mention Paul WhiteleyÂ’s amazing acting as Christ is coming to an end. As I have said before- the interaction between Pilate and the ensemble was very effective. They fed off each other. Nice acting from the guards, they dressed and acted like death. (thatÂ’s a good comment)

“Superstar”

Truly menacing and angelic all at once. Nice acting by guards and Jesus. Great entrance made by the dancers and also by Judas.

“Crucifixion/ John 19:41”


Very moving. Paul Whitely is an amazing actor as I have said before. His acting and singing abilities have proved till now to be both full in strength. None outweighs the other.I truly believed everything that was happening to him and he really looked thirsty and tired at the end.

OK, so there was a little mishap with the cross, so what? People, I will say this and say it nowÂ….

“ Mistakes happen, however, it is not likely we’ll repeat them, we just make new ones”

All in all an excellent scene. Gillian Binks acting was outstanding, particularly in the second act. And I found “John 19:41” very angelic and beautiful. Ok- I almost cried! Hey – I said almost! I noted that a lot of audience members were indeed reduced to tears. It was all very real.

Well done to Alex McLennan, Jesus and to everyone involved in Jesus Christ Superstar.



The Review Master