Every year there seems to be one or two plays showing at the Stratford Festival that generate incredible buzz. This isn't to say that all their productions are n't worthy of buzz because they are - it's rare to find a sour note in the bunch. However, one or two seem to grab the attention of the critics and the theatre going public.
This year the buzz about the festival's production of Jesus Christ Superstar has almost been deafening. It started long before opening night as word leaked out that there was a staging of this epic rock opera tracing Jesus' last week that was fresh, energetic, and heart-wrenching.
Not long after it opened the New York times wrote:
the Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s new revival of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the 1971 rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, has received rave reviews from local theater critics, prompting New York producers and other critics to book flights to Toronto for a look. Mr. Lloyd Webber, who holds the rights to mount a Broadway revival, saw the production this month and called it “fabulous,” adding that it was “very probably the best acted performance of the show I have ever seen.” Mr. Rice has also seen it, adding to the buzz that the production might have a life beyond Stratford.
This has proved to be true - the show will be heading to La Jolla for a run from November to January. Rumours swirl that it will be headed to broadway shortly thereafter.
Having carved a major niche for himself in the world of rock musicals, it was not surprising to see artistic director Des McAnuff return to his roots with this show. With Superstar McAnuff orchestrates bodies in space and they explode with electrical currents, all frenetic and taut with energy. The characters crisscross the stage, climb bleachers, and scale columns all the while pulling the audience into the stratosphere. McAnuff reclaims the a show that has always been a challenge to stage and returns it to its rock ’n’ roll and human roots. Creating a show that inspires passion, reflection, and a whole range of emotions.
The cast with Josh Young as Judas, Chilina Kennedy as Mary Magdalene, Paul Nolan as Jesus and Brent Carver displaying his subtle but oh-so brilliant acting chops as Pontius Pilate are both dynamic and impressive as the provide human dimension to characters that in other productions of the show seem almost flat and cartoonish. Unexpected delightful moments occur throughout, like Bruce Dow’s delicious showstopper that has Herod take on the “King of the Jews”.
Make no mistake that this is a show that is crackling with the undercurrents of current geo-politics. There is enough in the story, the costumes, the set, and the action to make one think about the current state of religion, economic disparity, and the middle east. While the songs and scrpt might be 40 years old this production is firmly entrenched in 2011.
So yes, the buzz was accurate. This is a 'must see' show. Stratford has been busy adding extra evenings whenever they can but these sell out quickly. If you can get a ticket do see it before it heads to what is bound to be a triumphant run in the US.
I remember having an album and could suing all of the lyrics by heart. Glad to hear this revival of this musical was so well received.
Posted by: bellini | September 10, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Sounds fantastic, I'd love to see it!
Posted by: sandrac | September 11, 2011 at 09:46 AM
Well Sandra - I suspect it'll be playing in one spot or another for awhile so I bet there is a possibility!
I remember some of the songs bellini - sort of had a classic rock feel with a titch of early disco thrown in. What an era that was for music.
Posted by: JDeQ | September 24, 2011 at 07:14 AM