Practicing, non-practicing, atheist, agnostic or just plain unsure – regardless of your religious slant you’ll find something to enjoy about Packemin Productions’ latest show, Jesus Christ Superstar.
JCS was originally conceived in the 1970s as a rock opera – an ambitious and entirely new way to tell the story of Jesus Christ’s last week alive (based loosely on the Gospels’ accounts). The men behind the music and lyrics are none other than Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice. Largely shown through the eyes of Judas, disciple turned betrayer, it’s a moving musical that gives (fictional) insight into the relationships of those closest to Jesus, and his struggles to bear the burden of being the son of Christ.
Neil Gooding directs yet another slick musical showstopper for his company Packemin Productions. Think rockstar voices, spectacular visuals and a booming live orchestra.
As Judas, Toby Francis is brilliant. His powerhouse voice rings out across the space with ease. His performance shows us a multifaceted, conflicted human being, not just a betrayer and villain. Francis displays a great deal of passion in his role, and he shines brightly in this production.
Brittanie Shipway is astounding as Mary Magdalene – another powerhouse voice soaring above the rest. Her performance is magnetic and moving, full of tenderness at times and quiet strength at others.
While Joe Kalou looked the part of Jesus, complete with dreadlocks and scruffy beard, his vocals were not strong enough to carry the emotion the role requires. He struggled to find his stride, and while his second half was better, it still lacked a lot of emotional depth and weight. ‘Gesthemane’ is meant to be a pivotal turning point in Jesus’ journey, a rollercoaster of emotions ahead of an ultimate acceptance of his destiny. But when Kalou did show some emotion it seemed forced and strained.
Other performances of note: Jenna Woolley as a commanding Annas and Gavin Brightwell as a fabulously flamboyant Pontius Pilate.
Visually, this show is sumptuous and spectacular. A wonderfully large ensemble cast create the perfect atmosphere in scenes like the marketplace and leper colony, and together sound bold and vibrant singing the big numbers. Neil Shotter’s scaffold set design allows the ensemble free reign, and Gooding’s direction makes use of just about every inch. Shotter adds some small but
hugely effective touches like bird cages and illuminated crosses. Lights by Sean Clarke tie the visual spectacular together with suitable rock aplomb.
Musical Director Peter Hayward helms his skilled orchestra with finesse, as they play their way through Lloyd Webber’s powerful score. Sound design by David Grigg allows the music to pierce you at your core but still hear every word on stage. It’s a roof-shaking, wall-quaking night at the theatre.
One or two numbers seem out of place and a little clunky, but a moving, visually striking ending works miracles.
Playing at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta until February 23.
Alana Kaye – Theatre Now
Photography: Grant Leslie Photography
Jesus Christ Superstar
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
8 – 23 Feb 2019
Wed – Sat 7:30pm
Sat Matinee 2pm
Sun 11am & 4pm (except 10th 3pm only)
Fri 8th 11am
Venue: Riverside: Riverside Theatre
Theatre Company: Packemin Productions
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (Including interval plus 40 minute Q&A consisting of general and technical questions for the schools performance 8th)
