Music by Andrew Lloyd
Webber, Lyrics by Tim Rice
Directed by Jim
McMullen
Canberra Philharmonic
Society, Erindale Theatre to 24 March
Reviewed by Len Power
8 March 2018
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, the rock opera based on the life
of Jesus, first appeared as a concept album but it was the London production
that opened in August 1972 that really put the show on the map. It became the longest running musical in West
End history at that time. Ever since
then, the musical has continued to be a perennial favourite of professional and
amateur companies around the world.
Jim McMullen’s new production for Canberra Philharmonic is a
dazzling, highly entertaining show that tells the story of Jesus clearly and in
a consistently modern way that really engages the senses. The attractive rotating set, co-designed by
Ian Croker and Jim McMullen, gives lots of different playing areas and the
exceptionally good lighting design by Phil Goodwin complements the settings and
gives the show the right atmosphere.
 |
| From left: Charlotte Gearside, Grant Pegg and Will Huang. Photo from Canberra Philharmonic Society |
Performances by the whole cast are committed and of a very
high standard. Will Huang gives a very
strong performance as Judas and his singing of the high notes is
thrilling. Grant Pegg is a particularly
good Jesus, playing him as an ordinary man without any hint of holiness. His singing is assured and exciting,
especially his Gethsemane solo.
Charlotte Gearside gives a strong acting performance as Mary Magdalene
as well as singing the role with clarity and great feeling.
There are good performances from Ian Croker as Pontius
Pilate, Paul Sweeney as King Herod, Patrick Galen-Mules as Peter and Rhys
Madigan as Simon. The large ensemble
sings and moves very well. The
choreography by Courtney Whitcombe, Karen Gillingham and Charlotte Gearside nicely
suits the modern concept of the show.
Musical direction by Casey White is excellent and the
playing by the large orchestra is accurate and colourful. Costumes by Chelsea de Rooy and audio design
by Nick Cossart add considerably to the success of the show.
This is a very good production of a much-loved show that
should not be missed.
This review was first
published in the Canberra City News digital edition of 9 March.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7’s ‘On Stage’ program on Mondays from
3.30pm and on ‘Artcetera’ from 9.00am on Saturdays.
