It has been a long time since its last visit, and it has, like good wine, matured in the interval. Jesus Christ Superstar is, on the evidence of this production, a theatrical landmark of our time, a fusion of words, music and action that attracts like a magnet and lingers afterwards in the mind.
The story is, as the saying goes, the greatest ever told, and this telling really does no violence to traditional interpretations. Christ is here, mangod; Judas betrays, not simply out of greed; Mary Magdalene is a loyal and loving woman; Pilate is a confused weakling; Peter, Caiphas, Herod and others fit the mental pictures we have of them.
Tim Rice's words shape and define his characters with lyrical force, creating an ambience of subversion, and Andrew Lloyd Webber's music drive the words along with rhythmic music and passion. Scene follows colourful scene: the driving of the money-changers from the temple, Gethsemane, Herod's palace, the deaths of Judas and Jesus. The drama builds from start to finish.
The songs interpret the action quite brilliantly, from the opening Heaven On Their Minds by Judas to the choral Superstar towards the ending. They are studded with tuneful numbers, including Hosanna, Everything's All Right, I Don't Know How To Love Him and Could We Start Again Please.
All the lead performers combine strong acting with splendid voices. Ben Goddard's Judas is a creation of fire and fury, dramatically sung. William Byrne's Christ is outstanding, as is Hazel Fernan des as Magdalene. The team they lead is of real calibre, in a show worth striving to see.
Until August 28th; booking on 01-8363633
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