Jesus Christ Superstar (Birmingham Institute of Theatre Arts)
Before settling down to watch this production I noticed a quote from Chris Passey one of the Creative Team (a guy with more passion than a passion fruit !) suggesting that there had been only three hours rehearsal per week, yet over a period of a year to create what we were about to see, how can anything with such a protracted rehearsal period and such an extensive gap between those rehearsals really deliver is my immediate thought as the lights fade and Chris (who is MD amongst many other roles) displays even more of that passion and fervently strikes up the band.
Took all of about thirty seconds for those thoughts to fade and an overwhelming sense of 'this is going to be something to remember' to engulf me as the choreography in the opening scene from the other member of this dynamic production duo, Attiye Partridge, graphically creates a picture that starts to tell a story that is probably very familiar to most fans of the musical theatre genre.
From the moment Max Eade as Judas delivers the opening lyrics to 'Heaven on Their Minds' it's obvious that this is a voice made for the part and other similar roles. I'm immediately thinking what is this guy going to do with the title number and I wasn't disappointed, his characterisation of the disconnected member of the chosen twelve was spot on, an all round tremendous piece of stagecraft.
There is a brooding quality to Dec Foster as Jesus, as if he isn't really sure why people are so attracted to his religious philosophy but, feels the need to nurture his followers and lead them in the direction he somehow inherently knows is the right one. Jesus is a tough sing even for the most experienced of performers and it is therefore to his immense credit that he carries the role and the vocal so well, not least of all a powerful rendition of 'Gethsemane' that had the audience completely captivated, leading to a rapturous round of applause.
Completing the trio of lead characters is Lorna Highley as Mary Magdalene, delivering a soulful and sensual performance as the follower who ultimately falls for Jesus. I could sense a voice with some real power and 'belt', feeling perhaps she was holding something back initially, the sheer dominance of a deep and rich vocal, eventually let rip mid-way through 'I Don't Know How to Love Him' and she never looked back.
Whilst everybody may seem to be taking this journey along with Jesus, there is always an opposing view, represented in this case by the Jewish priests, Matt Pandya is a dominant force as high priest Caiaphas maintaining the guttural bass tone and imposing presence so synonymous with the role, complemented superbly by Jack Smyth's much higher registered Annas and orchestrating between them the demise of Jesus, if only they knew that this would lead to a much expanded level of worship for the figure of Christ.
Jesus Christ Superstar may be built around the three main characters but, it wouldn't have the appeal it has without some of the iconic supporting characters, Louis Wharton is a commanding Pontius Pilate coping admirably with what appeared to be a microphone malfunction in his first song and then proving how strong his vocal really is in the 'Trial Before Pilate' scene. James Luckins is an extremely entertaining Herod, getting only a short scene in the role on stage but, making every second of it count. Maddy Rock (Simon Zealotes) and Liam Wragg (Peter) both enthusiastic disciples of Jesus and creating equally intense acting and vocal performances for their respective key scenes.
There is only so much that one can cram into a review and it isn't possible to mention everybody by name but, this is undoubtedly a team effort including a supremely talented ensemble cast, a dedicated and hard working creative team and a band that almost lift the stage up with the cast on it.
You only have four performances left before the chance to see this incredible show and some of the best local youth talent disappears forever as the run finishes on Saturday 2nd November 2019, so grab a ticket (there aren't many left) and find out 'what the buzz' really is all about !
Book Here
Took all of about thirty seconds for those thoughts to fade and an overwhelming sense of 'this is going to be something to remember' to engulf me as the choreography in the opening scene from the other member of this dynamic production duo, Attiye Partridge, graphically creates a picture that starts to tell a story that is probably very familiar to most fans of the musical theatre genre.
From the moment Max Eade as Judas delivers the opening lyrics to 'Heaven on Their Minds' it's obvious that this is a voice made for the part and other similar roles. I'm immediately thinking what is this guy going to do with the title number and I wasn't disappointed, his characterisation of the disconnected member of the chosen twelve was spot on, an all round tremendous piece of stagecraft.
There is a brooding quality to Dec Foster as Jesus, as if he isn't really sure why people are so attracted to his religious philosophy but, feels the need to nurture his followers and lead them in the direction he somehow inherently knows is the right one. Jesus is a tough sing even for the most experienced of performers and it is therefore to his immense credit that he carries the role and the vocal so well, not least of all a powerful rendition of 'Gethsemane' that had the audience completely captivated, leading to a rapturous round of applause.
Completing the trio of lead characters is Lorna Highley as Mary Magdalene, delivering a soulful and sensual performance as the follower who ultimately falls for Jesus. I could sense a voice with some real power and 'belt', feeling perhaps she was holding something back initially, the sheer dominance of a deep and rich vocal, eventually let rip mid-way through 'I Don't Know How to Love Him' and she never looked back.
Whilst everybody may seem to be taking this journey along with Jesus, there is always an opposing view, represented in this case by the Jewish priests, Matt Pandya is a dominant force as high priest Caiaphas maintaining the guttural bass tone and imposing presence so synonymous with the role, complemented superbly by Jack Smyth's much higher registered Annas and orchestrating between them the demise of Jesus, if only they knew that this would lead to a much expanded level of worship for the figure of Christ.
Jesus Christ Superstar may be built around the three main characters but, it wouldn't have the appeal it has without some of the iconic supporting characters, Louis Wharton is a commanding Pontius Pilate coping admirably with what appeared to be a microphone malfunction in his first song and then proving how strong his vocal really is in the 'Trial Before Pilate' scene. James Luckins is an extremely entertaining Herod, getting only a short scene in the role on stage but, making every second of it count. Maddy Rock (Simon Zealotes) and Liam Wragg (Peter) both enthusiastic disciples of Jesus and creating equally intense acting and vocal performances for their respective key scenes.
There is only so much that one can cram into a review and it isn't possible to mention everybody by name but, this is undoubtedly a team effort including a supremely talented ensemble cast, a dedicated and hard working creative team and a band that almost lift the stage up with the cast on it.
You only have four performances left before the chance to see this incredible show and some of the best local youth talent disappears forever as the run finishes on Saturday 2nd November 2019, so grab a ticket (there aren't many left) and find out 'what the buzz' really is all about !
Book Here
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