Jesus Christ Superstar shines in a modern style

Jesus Christ Superstar shines in a modern style

LAURENCE Connor's inspired UK arena production catapults the story of Jesus into the 21st century with the momentum and urgency of a youthful revolution. Andrew Lloyd Webber's groundbreaking 1970s rock opera now includes tweets, graffiti, live video, and an exuberant chorus of dread-locked ferals as Jesus's followers. Ben Forster's Jesus is an unsophisticated, intensely human idealist who fights a losing battle among corrupt politicians, religious leaders, manic cult followers, despairing youth and a ravenous media circus. Forster's versatile voice is thrilling and impassioned singing the rock anthem, Gethsemane, but he is equally compelling singing ballads with subtlety. The final Crucifixion is remarkable and moving with Forster stripped, beaten and bleeding, then hoisted high on a metal grid while Judas leads a frenzied chorus of celebration. Tim Minchin's voice and performance are impeccable and his Judas is charismatic and strangely alluring. His rendition of Superstar is bold and fervent, and his death scene is the most poignant moment of all. Share on email Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on google_plusone_share Ex-Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm (Mel C), is affecting as the hapless Mary Magdalene singing I Don't Know How to Love Him. Jon Stevens is a seductive Pontius Pilate, showing the exceptional power of his gravelly rock voice while singing Trial Before Pilate. Leon Craig (replacing the injured Andrew O'Keefe) is a riot playing King Herod as a TV host who whips the crowd into a frenzy then declares Jesus a fraud after a TV poll. Playing the manipulative Caiaphas and his obsequious sidekick Annas, Cavin Cornwell and Gerard Bentall sing Bloody Money with contemptuous glee. Cast members perform in Jesus Christ Superstar. On a stage design that includes projections of government and derelict buildings, songs such as What's The Buzz, Hosanna, The Temple and Superstar assume a new relevance. Lloyd Webber's music is dynamic, vibrant and eclectic and, with Tim Rice's cunning lyrics, the songs advance the narrative and illuminate the characters as only great music theatre can do. Connor's production is cohesive and coherent, miraculously translating Superstar into a dangerous world of social upheaval. What: Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Spectacular, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Tim Rice



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