Review: Michael Streeter Gives Us a Fresh New Woman-Centered JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, at Post5

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR had its heyday before I was born. Of course, growing up as a musical lover, I had several Andrew Lloyd Webber compilation CDs, so I got to know the music, which I still think is rates among Webber's best. But, I'd never had the pleasure of seeing the actual musical until last weekend, when I took in Michael Streeter's production at Post5 Theatre. And I thought it was great! One of the people in my party had been lucky enough to see the original 1970 production on Broadway. He enjoyed this one as well.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a rock opera that chronicles the last several days of Jesus's life, told from Judas's point of view. Streeter has made a few adjustments to incorporate new information that has been uncovered in the last 46 years, namely The Gospel of Judas and The Gospel of Jesus's Wife. He's also given women a seat at the table, casting 10 of the 12 disciples as women. Cross-casting is all the rage these days (just a few months ago on this same stage we saw an almost all-female OTHELLO), and once the cast starts to sing, it's easy to see why Streeter picked these women for these roles. (Streeter also gave the end an interesting twist, but I'll leave that a surprise.)

Speaking of the cast and amazing women, let's talk about Ithica Tell, who plays Judas like she was born to it. And wow can she sing!

I've heard some local musical theatre actors lament that there aren't enough opportunities for Portland performers to sing. That point is hammered home every time I see a musical that stars several actors I've admired in plays, but had no idea that they were awesome singers as well. In this production, I was pleasantly surprised by not only Ithica Tell, but also Jessica Tidd, who played Mary Magdalene. She has a gorgeous voice. As does Damien Geter (Pontius Pilate), who I'd never seen before, but certainly hope to see again.

Another highlight -- Brian Burger, who supplies a whole lot of razzle dazzle in his brief appearance as Herod.

We need more opportunities for these people to sing!

If I've got one beef, it's that the acoustics at Post5 aren't exactly optimized for a rock opera, and it's sometimes difficult to hear the cast members who don't have Tell's vocal power. But it's still better than the acoustics at the Keller!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a challenging show, one that not many small theatres have the talent to take on. Lucky for us, we don't have that problem in Portland. This production hits it out of the park.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR runs through August 20. I recommend it highly. More info and tickets here: http://www.post5theatre.org/

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