Jesus Christ Superstar

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


I had hoped to print this review earlier but the weekend has been hectic. Let me just say that I was extremely impressed by the amount of talent, colour, artistic merit and enthusiasm placed into this production. There was not a moment where I thought something was really missing or that there was a lack of meaning in interpretation of the storyline. I wasn't sure how this musical would be handled by an Amateur Production Company because it is a very demanding vocally, also from what I have seen of professional productions in terms of acting and movment,choreography and costume. There was that thought in the back of my mind to whether the Amateur show would "crucify" this musical ( pardon the pun). But as a lot of times by Amateur Production companies, I am proved wrong. Playlovers has proved itself over a 40 year period to be a respectful, competant Perth Theatre Company and with the amount of capable and artisitic direction involved together with an extremely talented cast and crew, I could not spend much longer doubting this amateur production.

MAJOR POINTS:

* Alex McLennan's direction showed his deep understanding and artistic, noble interpretation of Lloyd Webber's masterpiece. I hadn't realized his talents extend beyond direction as he proved on stage, Alex I didn't realize you were actually in the show...........???
* An extremely talented cast brought the show alive and never brought about a dull moment. The capabilities and enthusiasm of the musical director and cast should be applauded.
*The show was placed in an interesting, modern era, although sometimes through aspects such as props and costume, the time period became confusing.
* Wonderful set, i especially loved the lit up cross in the middle- so effective. And Subiaco Theatre Centre really does give you the opportunity to engage with the audience, having the backstage entrances and with the stage and seating set-up. I would liked to have seen the cast ensemble engage a lot more with the audience, especially upon entering....
* The style of the costumes was brilliant. Particularly in "King Herod's Song". Terry McAuley works wonders.

PRINCIPLE CAST:

"Jesus" - played by Paul Whiteley

I first saw Paul in Music Spectrum's Les Miserables. He displayed amazing vocal and acting ability in his portrayal of Marius. He is one of those actor/singers who has a natural ability to incorporate what the character is truly feeling into the voice. He has wonderful vocal and facial expression. He works extremely well with the cast and general ensemble in the way he reacts in certain scenes. I thought that the Crucifixion was his best work in this show. All I can say is that he has come even further since his Les Miserables appearance and created a very real, very moving version of Jesus. You have an extraodinary talent Paul. No doubt you'll go far.

"Judas" - played by Sam Rabbone

An extremely vocally demanding role, as also that of Jesus. Sam has an extremely powerful, very gospel sounding voice with I feel created Judas in a new light. Sam really made the role his own and suited the character displaying that sometimes prudish stubborness that the character contains. He had already proved himself from his first vocal number, "Heaven on Their Minds".

"Mary Magdalene" - played by Gillian Binks

A right show stealer in Music Spectrum's Les Miserables, she followed that in this show. I felt that she really made the character her own again with a rather mellow, sweet at times vocal display in her numbers. The character of Magdalene is one of that is weary of the world and its ways (particularly in regard to men) but she has an extremely big heart and a love and concern for Jesus. I felt Gillian captured this and I noted that her performance was particularly strong in the second act where in the crucifixion scene she was overcome with grief for the loss of Jesus. She had a large proportion of the house reduced to tears in that scene.

“Caiaphas” – played by James Clayton

I appreciated the bass sound in his voice and I thought that it helped capture the restrained brutality of the character. The only thing I would say is to keep the “deep” sound in the voice sustained as much as possible because at times, he appeared to use a more innocent sounding tone to his voice. James interacted well with his fellow priests and worked well with the character of Judas, particularly in “This Jesus Must die” and “Blood Money”. A great sense of stage presence and I loved the black robe and beard!

“Annas” – played by Stuart Laing

Stuart captured the essence of this role not only with the sharp sounds in his voice but with very menacing, cruel facial expressions. This character is a very brutal one and you would only have to look into StuartÂ’s eyes on stage to know that he is carrying it off accurately. Very suited to this role Stuart, well done!

“Pontious Pilate” – played by Jason Seperic

There was a lot more of an operatic sound to Jason’s voice used here than I’m used to with this character but I liked it! I thought that he captured the fine line between brutality and heavy conscience with Pilate. I did like also the nazi costume he was placed in- I thought it was different but very effective to display that level of power which Pilate contained. He was Caesar after all! One thing I will say in regard to Jason is that he interacted extremely well with other principle and ensemble members. I noted this particularly in “Trial By Pilate” where he fed off the reactions of ensemble members dressed in their dark suits and glasses. Excellent!

“Herod” – played by Chris Kabay

Wonderful actor! The "King Herod’s Song" number had to have been my favourite in the show. Chris really brought out the sulky, sarcastic brutality of Herod and was very comical and entertaining. The only thing I’d love to have seen more would have been more interaction with the pink girls all around him, they are however “Herod’s girls”, so treat them like the objects they are placed there as, for him. And perhaps also with the guards in the instance he shouts “Oh take him away..he’s got nothing to say!!” The guards would not have to be told to drag poor Jesus away as it is all in Herod's voice,they would of course be weary of Herod’s temper and also his power as king. Otherwise delightful! Loved the costumes, the set, the scene! Bravo Chris and girls!!

“Peter” – played by Andrew Baker

Andrew captured the nobleness of Peter and portrayed his loyalty to Jesus yet also the fear of being condemned as a follower. I feel that Andrew really has the potential in musical theatre, he still looks very young and there is more to be developed in him. He has a very handsome tenor voice! Good work, especially the piece with Mary Magdalene.

“Simon Zealotes” – played by Thomas Wood

I adored the “Simon Zealotes” number, it was very gospel and upbeat. Thomas has a bit of a modern gospel sound in his voice which I feel suited the role. He had the appearance and demeanour of someone very cool and patriotic, which is what I feel is required by this character. It is obvious he has a natural talent and appreciation for music.

I have still abit more to say in regard to the ensemble and each musical number which i will write ASAP. I'll stop now because i'm likely to be cut off in words due to how much I've already written. Congrats to Alex McLennan and all the cast and crew of JCS for this "extraordinary" Production!

The Review Master

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