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Jesus Christ Superstar at the Birmingham Hippodrome Review

JesusChristSuperstarJesus Christ Superstar
Birmingham Hippodrome

2-7 November 2015

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Reviewed by Katy Nettleton

What they sayJesus Christ Superstar exploded onto the musical scene in 1971 – stunning audiences and changing the face of musical theatre forever.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus through an extraordinary, ground-breaking score. As compelling today as it was at its inception over forty years ago, Jesus Christ Superstar has some of musical theatre’s most legendary songs including I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Everything’s Alright, and Gethsemane through to, of course, Superstar.

Leading performer Glenn Carter returns as Jesus, a role he has played in the West End, on Broadway and on film. Musical theatre star Tim Rogers, whose theatre credits include Carousel, Whistle Down the Wind, and the title role in Jekyll & Hyde at the Union Theatre, plays Judas Iscariot, while X Factor finalist Rachel Adedeji stars as Mary Magdalene direct from the UK and European tour of Thriller Live.

Produced by Bill Kenwright and the creative team behind numerous blockbuster musicals, Jesus Christ Superstar tells the world’s oldest story with the superb theatricality they have brought to Evita, Joseph, Cabaret, Blood Brothers, Whistle Down the Wind, Starlight Express and many more.

Pamela Raith
Jesus Christ Superstar 2015 UK Tour
Photo credit Pamela Raith Photography

What I say… Today I decided to take a different tact when reviewing the musical – other than knowledge of the “story” behind the musical (as I think most people will know!) I decided not to read the press release to see what I truly thought of this unique musical which took the West End by storm. But, before I go any further please understand that I am not a critic, I am not trained in the theatre or drama, musicals etc. but someone who enjoys going to see different musicals and shows and experience new things! There were a number of people sitting around me who had seen the show twice or three times and were looking forward to seeing the new cast (performers).

So first impressions… The staging was eerie (quite apt for this time of the year!) and gave the illusion of distance and space amongst a stage, the orchestra was seated in the “pit” so you couldn’t see them and it did not distract from the stage and performance ahead. The lighting was very clever as was the “props” used for the actors and the set up, it gave you a feeling of being cold (and I even had a shiver down my spine).

The Actual Performance… As soon as the actors came on stage I was encapsulated, the way the staging was set and movement of the “staircases” to the way the performers moved around was seamless. The music was loud (as expected) but sadly I felt often this drowned out the amazing female voices, and meant that sometimes it came across as the performers were “shouting to be heard” rather than singing their hearts out! (This is only my opinion, and as I said before I am no critic). Act one was about “setting the scene” with Judas Iscariot (Tim Rogers) criticising Jesus for not listening to his concerns and that he does not believe Jesus (Glenn Carter) is the son of God, but actually a normal man with Mary Magdalene (Rachel Adedeji) trying to help Jesus and in the process falls in love with him. This is where I began to struggle if I am entirely honest… I found Mary Magdalene captivated my attention when she was singing, and felt that I could feel her love and pain, as with Judas who I believe was trying to save Jesus from Caiaphas who believes Jesus would be seen as a threat to the Roman Empire and the Priesthood. But with Jesus Christ (Glenn Carter), it is hard to fault an amazing performance, vocals (both control and range) but to me, he didn’t engage with the audience. It was a well drilled performance but as I had not read all the press releases and reviews previously (so that I went into the performance “blind”)  I am not sure if this is the way in which the performance has been directed/produced or if it was just me who couldn’t connect with the lead? I understand that with the arts, it is very subjective and therefore what I can comment on with ease is the voices – the range, the feelings and the control were amazing from all. Alistair Lee (as Annas) voice was amazing and his version of “Jesus Must Die” will stay in my mind for days if not weeks to come; overall the staging, orchestra, lighting and voices (as well as performances) were amazing. Act two focussed on the lead up to Jesus being hung on the cross, with the music and performers being more dramatic and louder (if it is possible). Mary Magdalene’s (Rachel Adedeji) vocals were amazing and seemed effortless and was at eases with her character.

There was a microphone problem for one of the songs, but as with the rest of the show this did not hinder the performance with the performer continuing without hesitation until the problem had been rectified. This just showed how well rehearsed the production is, and how professional the performers are. My only other little thought is, as someone who is new to musical theatre and does not easily recognise the performers in the programme it would be good to have pictures (alongside their mug shots!) on what they look like in the show – again this is very personal to me and my own preferences.

Pamela Raith
Jesus Christ Superstar 2015 UK Tour
Glenn Carter as Jesus Christ
Photo credit Pamela Raith Photography

There was a partial standing ovation, and for me the pinnacle vision I will hold is that of Jesus being laid upon the cross. The whole show (obviously!) built up to this and it did not disappoint- with the songs chosen, sound effects and staging it felt harrowingly real.

Also I should not the young children who were part of the choir, were amazing!

Overall I would give this a 4 out of 5 – it was a good show, with amazing performances and voices being showcased but for me did not live up to the “hype” I heard over a number of years.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £18 (booking fees may apply).

Jesus Christ Superstar is at the Birmingham Hippodrome until 7 November 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 338 5000.

Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB | 0844 338 5000

4 Star

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