Theatre
Jesus Christ Superstar
King's Theatre, Glasgow
Marianne Gunn
Three stars
There is no doubt that Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera is a product of its time. The 'look and feel' of the 1970s original film is recreated in this new touring production, where - in the main - characters are presented in a manner appropriate to the period setting. On a production level, it is easy to praise this version: Tim Whiting's musical direction is enhanced by cracking ensemble singing, although the powerful choral work sometimes pulled focus away from some of the more seasoned performers.
In the title role, Glenn Carter reprised the role of Jesus (which he played in an updated film version in 2000) and it is clear he is at the top end of the playing age and will likely be hanging up his Jesus sandals soon. He portrayed the Messiah as a flawed man, and for the most part his vocals were moving and tuneful (perhaps excepting some of the rockier wailing). As Judas Iscariot, Tim Rogers was something of a disappointment. His acting was both physical and emotive but there were definite pitch problems, although he did somewhat redeem himself in the second act's Superstar, albeit accompanied by the full company. From The X Factor (in 2009, apparently) Rachel Adedeji took on the mantle of Mary Magdalene and did so most successfully in Could We Start Again Please. More heightened emotions would have been welcome, although her gentle performance created a calming presence on stage.
The three performances which elevated the show were Kristofer Harding as a raucous Simon Zealotes, Tom Gilling as a sauced-up King Herod and Neil Moors as a brooding Caiaphas. Looking at the understudy cast list (and the strength of the ensemble) it would be interesting to see what the "support" players could have produced given half the chance.
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