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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Anthem singer at NBA Finals target of racial slurs

Anthem singer at NBA Finals target of racial slurs

SAN ANTONIO, TX - An 11-year-old Latino boy whose singing of the national anthem at the NBA Finals set off a barrage of racist tweets earned a roaring ovation in an encore performance before Game 4 between the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat on Thursday night. Sebastien De La Cruz, a mariachi singer who first found fame as a contestant on "America's Got Talent," was congratulated by Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and Heat coach Erik Spoelstra at midcourt after he belted out "The Star-Spangled Banner" while boisterous fans cheered him on at the AT&T Center. The Spurs arranged the second act as a show of support following a run of disparaging tweets about Latinos and immigrants during De La Cruz's nationally televised performance before Game 3 on Tuesday. De La Cruz, who was born and raised in San Antonio, said he was grateful and excited for being invited back. "It makes me feel real good about myself," De La Cruz said. "It makes me feel like, in San Antonio, I know there are a lot of people that encourage me to keep on doing what I want to do." Before the game, Popovich bemoaned the "idiots" who posted bigoted comments. "He's a class act," Popovich said. "Way more mature than most his age. And as much as those comments by the idiots saddens you about your country, he makes you feel the future could be very bright." Other celebrities and politicians also rallied behind De La Cruz. They included San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro and actress Eva Longoria, formerly married to Spurs star Tony Parker. Castro, the keynote speaker at last year's Democratic National Convention, introduced the boy Thursday night and gave him an official proclamation from the city. "The message is that no matter what someone's background is, we have so many Americans who have true talent," Castro said. "And Sebastien is one of them."




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