Sardines review: Jesus Christ Superstar - South London Theatre
11/09/2016, 17:01
KARYN
Sardines review: Jesus Christ Superstar South London Theatre sardinesmagazine.co.uk Updated Sep 11th, 2016
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posted/updated: 24 Aug 2016 - edit review / upload photos
Jesus Christ Superstar Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice
https://www.evernote.com/shard/s668/nl/124040893/89a0ba63-c…F%3AE%3D1571a041440%3AS%3D67c97d5f9910b2dc18cc2ac60be5a2a8
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Sardines review: Jesus Christ Superstar - South London Theatre
11/09/2016, 17:01
society/company: South London Theatre (directory) performance date: 23 Aug 2016 venue: Stanley Halls reviewer/s: William Michaels (Sardines review)
Photo: © RubyLdn www.rubyldn.co.uk It has been more than a decade since I last saw Jesus Christ Superstar. This ageless wonder still has the chops for an excellent evening of theatre. Sean Mullaney, with his charisma most evident in the Garden of Gethsemane and the crucifixion scenes delivers power vocals that most performers can only achieve in their dreams. Interestingly, his portrayal of Jesus is more spiritual than any I have seen before, yet his presence is more than strong enough so that his authority over his followers seems natural. Both Mullaney’s performance and the show are aided by a mostly stark yet stylised and creative approach taken by director Bryon Fear. The simple set, well executed costumes (especially Herod’s which is worthy of the West End) and lighting design focused attention on the performers and the famous rock score by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, which still sounds current and moving. The performance is unusually effective at reaching the emotional core of the story, especially in the interaction between Jesus and Judas and at the final crucifixion/ascension sequence. Dan Goad gave a fine performance as Judas. Goad is a very expressive performer and he’s not afraid to sing slightly off the notes to make the musical dialogue more convincing. He effectively demonstrates the character’s inner torment through emotional and even physical pain. At the end, his rendition of “Superstar” was a nice blend of motion and attitude, although the stage went dark https://www.evernote.com/shard/s668/nl/124040893/89a0ba63-…F%3AE%3D1571a041440%3AS%3D67c97d5f9910b2dc18cc2ac60be5a2a8
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Sardines review: Jesus Christ Superstar - South London Theatre
11/09/2016, 17:01
nice blend of motion and attitude, although the stage went dark unexpectedly which made it difficult to fully appreciate the end of the number. The vocal performances were strong throughout the cast. Alley Bilodeau demonstrated great vocals and a most refreshing tenderness as Mary Magdalene, nailing numbers such as “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” with a warm soprano that was both strong and sweet. Richard Canal was impressive in hitting the difficult rumbling low notes required of the Jewish High Priest Caiaphas. As Annas, Jason Salmon was an effective complement, egging Caiaphas on with his higher-pitched voice and his insistent drive. Wesley Lloyd is convincingly haunted while delivering “Pilate’s Dream.” The clever use of the Stanley Hall’s balcony in the Pilate trial was perfectly brilliant in creating the right mood and tension required for the scene. Special praise must be given to Marcus Reeves’ fabulous comic turn as King Herod. He takes the role to another level with a deliciously timed mix of nonchalance and flamboyance, supported by a group of men and women from Herod’s household. The whole cast gave an earnest and focused performance. The group number for “Hosanna” was enthusiastic and the scene in the temple included an assortment of chaotic decadence depicted in movement. One of the few troubling aspects of the show involved recurring difficulties with sound levels. These problems happened often enough to be distracting, although the underlying rock music was performed with solid virtuosity by the small band. If you have never seen Jesus Christ Superstar before you may never find a better opportunity to enjoy the show. Even if you have seen the show previously, the story and the music never grow old when performed at this level of excellence. Go see it. Book now.
Photo: © RubyLdn www.rubyldn.co.uk
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Sardines review: Jesus Christ Superstar - South London Theatre
11/09/2016, 17:01
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