Jesus Christ - SUPERSTAR

I had never seen the show JC Superstar until last Thursday and what a surprise. This show was exciting to watch, great to listen to and very emotive, I left with watery eyes on both nights (I went back last night to see it again). This show was not perfect, but none ever are, it was alive and entertaining, the music was excellent (albeit a little loud at times at the expense of some of the cast during a quiet part of their singing). Eddie Stowers as Pontius Pilate stole the show for my wife, we both agreed he delivered his part with such genuine passion and excellent timing. For me, I found Andrew Dobosz to be superb, his energy and ability to 'live' his part was just a joy to watch. Daniel Mitton was a very believable Jesus, the range of his voice was excellent and his attention to detail, faultless. I loved Julie Fedele's voice, her portrayal as Mary was first class and Paul Treasure as Herod, dare I say it... was a treasure, certainly the audience favorite. Ted Simpson, so tall with such a deep voice, David Wallace who has an excellent voice and Callum Presbury who looked every bit the intimidating villian. The whole cast were of a very high standard, for me I loved the scene with the lepers, as I watched them appear from everywhere I marvelled at how well they performed from the opener who sung about their eyes whilst stumbling so convincingly over the plinth to the one who appeared dragging himself down the stairs of the auditorium singing about his lack of leg power, this guy used his arms all the time and not his legs once (I understand this was Clint, difficult to tell under those bandages). This was the point about this show, it was polished, everyone had worked hard, they been taught well and encouraged. Take the scene where they were in the night club, everything looked natural, from the pole dancers to the lap dancer, the club members all worked well together, it looked so real. I know the story of Jesus but I was still shocked at the scene with the cross and Daniel Mitton's cry as the crown of thorns was pressed on his head. When the nails were driven into his wrists/hands one young audience member in front of me shrieked in horror... how could you applaud at the end of this, I'm sure many in the audience were in mild shock. But eventually the audience did applaud for we had been treated to a most enjoyable show, hat's off to all who were involved and to the vision of Peter Clark, a very clever man. Treat yourself, go and see this feast and listen to what will be talked about as the best thing to happen in Perth for some time.

I haven't seen the production, and won't be seeing it due to the reports I have heard about it. From most accounts, whilst the production did have its strengths, crucially the singing was simply not up to standard and left a lot to be desired. Now, I don't know how a musical such as this one, can be deemed a success when the vocals are lacklustre.

How can you make a negative comment on something you havent seen? And so brave of you to comment when you dont leave your name...

Having seen this production I feel I am qualified to offer a comment on the production, not pass judgment as Walter Plinge does. Here we have a person that not only condemns from afar but is willing to admit to it?? Well the trouble with arguing with idiots is that people watching may not be able to tell the difference. So on that note I sign off, wishing all in the show a wonderful season. The performance I saw was energetic, vital, brave, rewarding, visually challenging and overall entertaining. Excellent theatre.

Its interesting that people who continue to post hegative comments on various threads throughout these forums seem to always be posting anonymously. Tells you something I think. Why not have the guts to post as who you are rather than some unseen entity. What do you have to hide?

No one cares Walter becuase you haven't actually SEEN the show YOURSELF, so therefore your opinion doesn't matter. P.S. Ya Mum hates you and she loves me more.

But the most important thing: who was the most shaggable in the show?

What on earth does that have to do with a review on the show? and why is that the most important thing? I really don't see the point in you adding that post to this thread.

Because if there's some hot looking ladies, I might be more inclined to go see the show. And then have fun with myself thinking about them later.

What can I say about such small minded people, once again posting anonymously because they are too gutless to identify themselves with their worthless comments. Enough said. People always want to put down other people for some bizarre reason of which I dont understand, seems as though the whole world is going mad these days. Go and see it and then feel free to comment, or if you make the choice not to see it which is your right, then shutup, stop complaining and carrying on about something you know nothing about and go and get a life!!!

This is my first ever post and have been encouraged to write due to 'Walter Plinge's criticism without the courtesy of actually bothering to see the show. Yes I do 'know'(vaguely} some of the other people in the show and my partner is in the chorus. I know how much hard work and effort all the cast and crew have put into rehearsals (not to mention 'theatre widows'!!!). JCSS is not a show I particularly like but having seen it on Friday was amazed at the effort and creativity I witnessed. Not everyone 'held' all their notes all the time, but as in my subject line - isn't this an amateur show that all concerned with have tried their hardest to make it worthwhile for the public to go and watch. The least that 'reviewer's' can do is offer the courtesy of actually seeing the show prior to comment. I

As a member of the cast, I say to all the "Walter Plinges" out there. If you haven't seen the show, call 94841133 and make your own judgements. Don't just go on what you have heard. I have found that even positive reviews affect first impressions.

Perhaps you are seeing theatre for the wrong reasons. Why don't you try your local strip joint and be perverted there - not at the theatre and especially not on this site.

My friends and I had the great pleasure of being in the audience for Marloo Theatre’s latest production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Peter Clark, as a newcomer to direction of musical theatre, has succeeded admirably in putting his own special interpretation on this timeless story. I particularly liked his choice of closing the show with the reflective ‘Could We Start Again Please’ rather than the razzle dazzle of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. The live band, under the direction of Kate McIntosh, was fantastic. The improvisations in the crucifixion scene were particularly wonderful – see and hear for yourself. This is amateur theatre at it’s best. The costumes (Nyree Hughes) were simplistic in the main, but very effective. Obviously much research has been done (Pilate wearing a kilt) and particularly symbolic was the wearing of black armbands by the men after the crucifixion scene. The hesitancy of the audience to applaud is testament to the powerful performances of the cast. I have seen the show many times and am still moved by the story. I wouldn’t dare to single out a particular performer – they were all wonderful. Congratulations to you all !!! I shall certainly see the show again Jasper

Top show Winston George

I would like to thank everyone involved in Darlington Theatre Players' production of Jesus Christ Superstar. I am one of the many who have seen the show, and loved it, right from the overture to the curtain call. To whoever it was who doesnt want to see the show because of what he or she heard, I pity your inability to form your own opinions. As an amateur actor myself, I couldn't help wishing that I was part of the show. Well done to all, and chookas for the rest of the season.

nice one 'dancekpt' let's smoke out those creepy old perverts found carousing in and/or at our theatres. bm.

you are a fool,how can you say this when you have not even seen the show.all i can say to you is get a life and pay the money to see the show. well done cast and crew.

Wow, that Julie girl was really hot. Unlike dancekpt.

Theatre isn't a saucy film for your perverted enjoyment. I am so sick of this artform being undermined by judgemental or horny audience members. This website is meant to be a forum of free expression, true, but I have to admit I hesitate to audition for Perth amateur theatre with the knowledge that whatever I do will be ruthlessly pulled apart by fools who post anonymously on this website with the intention of degrading other people. Every audience member is entitled to their own opinion of the show- but to those who haven't even SEEN the show, most people have posted an important message for you. Watch it first, then judge it. The theatre community in Perth is small enough as it is, and most people receive little to no encouragement from their peers. Is the desire to cut down everyone else in the theatre community an Australian trait or one that is just part of the profession? Before I did a course at WAAPA a couple of years ago, a lot of people warned me there would be a lot of cattiness from my peers. But in all the time I spent there, I found that the people I was learning and working with were professional, open-minded, supportive, loving and completely non-judgemental. The only catty people I've ever met whilst I've been doing theatre in Perth are those that I have met on the set of amateur theatre productions. It really does discourage me from enjoying this art form that I love so much, This is amateur theatre, people. It's meant to be fun. FUN. Unfortunately, I missed out on the show, but I would have loved to have seen it. It's always a challenge to do something well known like JC Superstar differently and innovatively. It sounds like the cast and crew succeeded admirably. Well done!

Pfft. I laugh at your notion of 'community theatre'. If this were community theatre, the theatre would be community oriented. There would be people taking part in productions which would in turn form a theatrical community – however, ‘community’ implies notions of support and equality. 'Community theatre' is too exclusionary. Theatres seem instead to resemble little money-making machines, profits of which exist for no purpose at all except self perpetuation, sorry, and also to further inflate inflated egos. THIS IS NOT COMMUNITY THEATRE, THIS IS AMATEUR THEATRE. The only difference between amateur and professional theatre being that amateur suckers don't get paid. Same gig, less training, more bitches. ‘Community theatre’ would involve decently priced tickets of max $10; not $25 or even $40 as in some current amateur Perth productions. IT’S TOO EXCLUSIONARY. Anyone who has a pulse and a police clearance should be allowed to participate, as in a 'community'. You show me a community theatre in Perth, or anywhere for that matter, and I’ll be there in a shot. Sorry for the rant, and I’ll get off my high horse when she slows down at a community theatre. Bunch of amateurs. Over and out, Roger-ed.

The problem with your theory of lowering ticket prices is that the membership fee of joining an am. group would increase - thereby making it more exclusionary, not less. The Prompt Copy Store www.store.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne Treading the Boards www.treadingtheboards.thepromptcopy.com

FIRST OF ALL.... JCS cast & crew.... congratulations on a brilliant production. It's one show where you feel overcome with all kinds of emotion. I had to turn away during the lashing as it came across slightly too real and upset me some. (And I'm sure I'm one of the most non-religious people in Perth.) Now, Roger-ed..... I'm slightly confused..... are you FOR or AGAINST community/amateur theatre? (Call it what you choose) Would you rather NOT have theatre groups in the community area to provide the local community with a production performed and produced by it's community members? And what difference does it make if we call it amateur or community? Seriously...? As long as people who want to perform in theatre get an opportunity to do so and as long as people who enjoy watching theatre get the opportunity to do so, what does it really matter. Roger-ed... and I honesetly don't mean this to sound nasty, but your comments sound like you have a few issues....? Apologise, if you don't, but you sound like a jilted ex-theatre lover. Like the post before you explained... theatre is meant to be fun. And I will glady admit that I'm gutless, because I don't want to sign my name. :)

$25 a ticket. 100 seats. 20 shows. Equals $50,000 Where does all the money go?

Typically, amatuer theatres create a specific budget for their shows which includes the performance related expenses for set design, costumes, props, hiring of sound or lighting equipment, ticketing etc. Royalty fees for this show are set at 16% of the expected income; about $8300.00. The rest of a shows profit goes towards the maintenance of the theatre, purchasing new equipment, costumes, building supplies, insurance and so on. A well known show such as this one will usually make a profit to offset any possible losses from less popular shows that are staged later in the year. Even though cast, crew, FOH staff contribute their time voluntarily, there are many expenses involved in staging a show and maintaining a theatre. $50,000 doesnt last long.

Insurance would be a huge cost, because you'd have to get public liability for a large cast, perhaps Workcover type insurance (volunteers don't often get insured under the same policy as those taking a fee), they may need insurance for props, set, storage (many am groups store sets to use for later performances) and building insurance. A professional puppeteer I talked to recently said he spends about $20 000 on a set alone. That is one performer, a small crew, 30 puppets, a huge tourable set, AND he has government funding and other sponsorship. It's not cheap, and anyone who thinks that doing amateur shows means that it is cheaper to produce than a professional show needs better information. The Prompt Copy Store www.store.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne Treading the Boards www.treadingtheboards.thepromptcopy.com

Great, can we print this as a flyer, on all programs and posters as well, so we can start to educate the great unwashed when they asked this damn irritating question?

Not to mention the fact that the $50,000 is only based on the show selling all tickets to every show at full price - no comps and no concessions. I was at the show the first Thursday and there were only about 20 of us there. The full houses make up for the not so full.

I'm sorry but what do any of the last 8 or so posts have to do with THIS show? Create a new thread and leave this one to people who have seen the show and would like to give there opinions of it.

Yes, people do often forget that there is no real idea of how well a show will sell. That's why there's no money in this industry, and why few businesses are willing to get involved; there's no guarantee of making your money back. In fact, if you ask any of the fringe professional companies, they will tell you that they only ever lose their money. If they make a profit, it is only worth a couple of hundred bucks. The Prompt Copy Store www.store.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne Treading the Boards www.treadingtheboards.thepromptcopy.com

David If you pay attention to the fact that I was defending the show you might realise the importance. And the revolting comments further up the thread have been of importance to JCS? I think not. KTP

I don't think you're revolting picture we have to see all the time has any relevance either

dude shes probly better lookin then u!!!! she will at least put a photo in an her name not like u.......grow sum balls mofo p.s; say hi to ya mum for me

Back-off weirdo. This is a no put-down zone. If you're reviewing the show, particularly the prick or bitch who stole your part, then be an aggressive tool by all means. Otherwise - Shut it fool. Go get a hobby. Join your local Theatre. Fish cake. Anyone want to talk more on non-JCS-realted topics? How about rewiew the guy or gal who stole your part! That could be fun - you don't even need to see the show!

Back-off weirdo. This is a no put-down zone. If you're reviewing the show, particularly the prick or bitch who stole your part, then be an aggressive tool by all means. Otherwise - Shut it fool. Go get a hobby. Join your local Theatre. Fish cake. Anyone want to talk more on non-JCS-realted topics? How about rewiew the guy or gal who stole your part! That could be fun - you don't even need to see the show!

At least i have enough guts to show who I am. Unlike many of the faceless and nameless wimps who seem lurk on this site waiting for any oportunity to put down someone, whether they know them or not. If you have an issue with me fine, but at least stand up and put a face to your (supposed) name. Yes this is an open forum so therefore you are free to your own opinions. But at least be strong enough to stand up to them and not hide behind them. These posts have gone from the sublime to the ridiculous and I agree that if someone has a legitimate review to write please start a new thread. As someone who was involved with the show I would like some constructive feedback. Thanks Kristen PS -I would remove the photo, but I like it and am quite happy to leave it here. If it offends - too bad.

This is a Theatrical Site not a school playground, comments should be of Theatrical nature not childish petty bickering. I do understand that there some people out there that need some professional help with their issues but this is not the correct forum. Kirsten has put together excellent choreography, refreshingly different, she has put her name to her work and is willing to stand by her work, to be sniping at her from the wings at such a level is offensive and mean spirited. If this post offends you then seek help with some urgency. With regards to cost of any production, if you have to ask, then you will not understand the answer.

I could not have put this better. There seems to be way too many people here who just want to critisize what other people do. Funny as I dont see them up there on stage taking part? Perhaps they just dont have what it takes to cut it in the live theatre scene and will always remain armchair critics. As someone who was involved with this production at Marloo all I can say is that the people in the cast have all worked extremely hard and long to put this show on, which based on what I have heard from people who have actually SEEN the show is awesome. My own opinion is the same. I took my wife and kids up to see the show and they were very very impressed given the fact that it is "amateur" theatre, their expectations were a little low, but after seeing the show those opinions changed very much. Well done all and dont bother taking any notice of the people who really dont have a clue and who obviously do not have to talent or the guts to do it themselves anyway. Keep up the great work. Richard

Black box anyone?! :-) been a long time since a thread has descended into a s''tfest so magnificently. Hey people- chill. (as much as I enjoy the to ing and fro ing!) and can we hear some more about the play? I for one have been too busy to get up there, and would love to hear more about one of my favourite shows. Nev It's the simple things stupid...

43 posts, 2 and a half reviews. I'll have to agree with Neville on this one. All forums have their trolls, and this is no different. The dim-witted comments devised should really not be worthy of any further mention. I have seen this show, and it is fantastic. I am not really into theatre, but the entire production really blew me away. I find it hard to call it "amateur", as the level of the cast, band and the tech/backstage was nothing short of professional. Peter Clark should be very proud of what he has created.

Great show. Well done everyone.

well this is fun isn't it!! now i have seen the show and i've gotta say it was great, it had it's flaws but what show doesn't! gotta say the band was insane!! see it for yourself!! p.s labrug have you seen the show??, i'd love to hear your opinion of it, your reviews in the past have been good.

i love lamp

Having been involved with Marloos' J.C. SUPERSTAR from concept thru rehearsals to production and working as part of the back stage crew I have seen the show many times but only from the side or the rear. I knew this was a terrific show but did not realise how BRILLIANT this show was until I saw it from the front as part of the paying audience last Friday. To see the show as a whole, rather than piecemeal from the side,is a moving theatrical experience.This is a raw, edgy production that pulls no punches,it's emotional and it's moving; no-one escapes unscathed. Friends I came with left either stunned into silence or laughing nervously, afraid/embarrased to admit they had been touched by a 'musical play '.If theatre is supposed to push the boundaries, this play certainly exceeds expectations. I'am only sorry that those involved in this production, the players, will be unable to avail themselves of this experience as we the audience see it, their individual parts creating a much bigger whole. To be in that space sharing the torment of Jesus, from the haranguing of the crowds to his flogging at the hands of Pilate, seeing him flinch with every one of the 39 lashes, his body quivering as he hangs on that cross, till he succumbs and gives up his soul, all to the accompaniment of raucous rock music,is a very personal and evocative experience. Only see this play if you think you can handle it, its one night out that will stay with you for a very long time. THE SHARPEYE

Only see this play if you can any of the few tickets left, it's not a matter of whether you can handle it or not.