Jesus Christ Superstar
A musical review by Victor Grynberg
What started as a rock album in 1970, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by his long-term collaborator Tim Rice, was an immediate worldwide smash hit.
The songs were just so melodic and powerful that a stage show was launched in 1971. It was a global hit, followed by a movie version that was also a box office sensation.
I saw the show in 1972, and although there have been many revivals over the years, I was wondering how I’d react to seeing it more than 50 years later.
Well, in a simple answer, the unanimous standing ovation at the conclusion was proof of how enjoyable the show was.
There is no dialogue between numbers, and although the story nominally is about the crucifixion of Jesus, often described as “King of the Jews,” I focused on the music and dancing.
Michael Paynter, a long-respected singer, played Jesus. He has an excellent voice. The really important role of Judas was performed by Javon King, originally from the States. He combines the multiple talents of acting, dancing, and singing. He was truly outstanding in this role, and the audience certainly acknowledged this most fervently.
As a long-term fan of Jimmy Barnes and his daughter Mahalia, I saw Mahalia’s excellence in playing Mary. With a role demanding powerful singing, she definitely hit the mark. Indeed, the whole cast was first-class, including Reuben Kaye as Herod and Peter Murphy as Pilate. In the olden days Australian productions of big musicals never quite matched the standards of shows I had earlier seen on Broadway or the West End. Now no longer. Every aspect of this show was world-class and that definitely included the dancing under the direction of Bree Tipoki. An integral part of the night and highly enjoyable. Remarkable family talent as the Musical Director was Laura Tipoki. The band featuring a terrific lead guitar Simon Hosford was brilliant and the great acoustics of the historic Capitol Theatre were critical to the success of the production. As indeed was the super effective lighting by designer Lee Curran.
There is no reason why JWire readers should feel it inappropriate to see a show called Jesus Christ Superstar and if you have enjoyed songs like “I don’t know how to love him” you’ll love this great production
5 stars
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Capitol Theatre Sydney
November 13th
