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The cast in rehearsal Jesus Christ Superstar Malvern Theatres Young Company **** The brilliant formula of promising young and talented amateur actors working with a team of professionals directing, designing and operating a performance has worked again! The resulting performance is one of great professionalism and strong entertainment value. Jesus Christ Superstar has always been a controversial show: a modern and trendy rock theatre show that appeals to modern and secular audiences offends others for whom the show presents a distorted picture of Jesus. The oft-repeated line He’s only a man! epitomises the way Jesus is portrayed: a popular celebrity who is not always at ease with himself and finds comfort in a close relationship with a girlfriend. His conflict with Judas and the religious authorities leads to his death and there is no happy ending, no resurrection. The Malvern Young Players have a remarkably deep reservoir of talent. The singers’ performances are brilliant; they hold the stage dramatically. Ted Rowe has a very good voice for the part of Jesus; he is particularly moving in the Garden of Gethsemane scene. Kai Haines plays Judas and has a strong voice too; he confronts Jesus angrily, he is a deeply restless and unhappy character. Naomi Shore (Mary Magdalene) is a significant support for the character of Jesus in this presentation and her voice is very clear and delightful. The priestly crew are well dressed in their black outfits and present a suitably menacing presence whenever they appear. Hannah King as Annas has a particularly striking profile with her raised right hand. Herod (Christopher Davies) with his chorus of dancing girls has a very colourful and effective scene, the rock star at his decadent and showbiz best. The predominance of girls in the cast meant that many key male roles in the story were played by girls, and that worked well - Pilate, the priests, many disciples and apostles. Visually this production was impressive. The costumes (Sarah Lowes) were striking, the movement of the large cast around the stage was beautifully orchestrated, appealing tableaux; the choreography (Katie Leeming) was befitting of the show and its style, the use of lighting particularly and projections was creative and effective. The impact of having a large cast is significant, especially in moments of stillness and silence occurring in the middle of a musically loud show. As the programme notes states: ”Jesus Christ Superstar walks the fine line between reverence and rebellion”. There is a great sense of a team having a wonderful experience together, it has great life and energy; the strong tradition of Malvern Theatres Young Company continues, this production continuing till Saturday 23rd August. Tim Crow 19-08-25 |
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