Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock oratorio Jesus Christ Superstar gets a 21st-century makeover from Tony-winning director Des McAnuff in the critically acclaimed Stratford Shakespeare Festival production, which officially opens on Broadway March 22 at the Neil Simon Theatre.
I'm super excited, but also a bit saddened. I loved the show in La Jolla -- especially the acting and that's what a lot of posters here seem to be criticizing. A few are saying that a regional festival production does not belong on Broadway and comments like that make it seem like these people had their minds made up before the performance began. I'm hoping the New York critics will not share their sentiments.
I agree with CATS. Yes, this production in San Diego was incredible. I thought the music, acting and vocals were on pointe. It is strange to hear the current criticisms as it makes me feel I saw a different show. I did not see Josh Young as Judas but felt his understudy, Jeremy Kushnier, owned the role. I felt the actress who played Mary was the only weak link, but couldn't say she was "bad", she just appeared to be bored on stage.
...it doesn't go out of its way to do more than deliver a predictable package. Instead of a classic gone contemporary, it feels like theatergoing via time machine. But maybe that's better than aspiring higher and succeeding less?
I think it will be a mixed bag tonight. I felt that even though the show had some major flaws in casting and direction it was still an enjoyable night in the theatre and I spent many hours thinking on the changes tht could have been mde to make it a spectacular night at the theatre.
If this rock-opera reimagining of the “Greatest Story Ever Told” is far from ageless and seems unlikely to spark major new insights for believers or non-believers, as a time-travel experience it offers plenty to enjoy. And in Broadway’s current Jesus smackdown, Superstar at least trounces Godspell.
In Broadway's latest revival, director Des McAnuff has tackled the irreverent/reverent challenge by ignoring the conflict altogether. The slick and loud high-tech production, acclaimed from Canada to Southern California, is serious, passionate and handsome in ways that seem to grow from McAnuff's recent years directing Shakespeare and opera.
If you like some fun in your "Superstar," however, the show that capped his final year as head of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival may feel pretty grandiose for much of the material. McAnuff, who famously also staged "The Who's Tommy" and "Jersey Boys," seems not to want to get the jokes here.
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joined:6/21/06
Posted: 3/22/12 at 05:19pm