JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 50th Anniversary Tour - Page 2

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 1/2/20 at 7:15pm

Another review:

https://www.ellwoodcityledger.com/news/20200102/rsquojesus-christ-superstarrsquo-delivers-at-benedum

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 1/5/20 at 9:51pm

Really enjoyed this production, which ran almost exactly at 90 minutes with no intermission (as advertised). The tempo of a lot of the songs was slower than what I had been listening to from the 2012 Original Studio Cast Album, so I’m surprised the show didn’t last longer, especially with a few short rounds of applause between songs.

I thought the cast were all quite good, and the clearest voices came from James Delisco Beeks (Judas), Jenna Rubaii (Mary Magdalene), and Tyce Green (Annas). I really enjoyed Aaron LaVigne’s (Jesus) performance who I thought also sang quite well. Tommy Sherlock (Pilate), Alvin Crawford (Caiaphas), and Paul Lewis Lessard (Herod) were great to watch, the latter adorned in the most eclectic and flamboyant garb.

My favorite songs among many were Hosanna, I Don’t Know How To Love Him, Herod’s Song, The Last Supper, and Gethsemane. The Trial Before Pilate was a visually stirring moment as the “whips cracked”. And John 19:41 was glorious.

There were however quite a few times when the ensemble were singing (The Temple, for example) that you simply couldn’t understand the lyrics, had you not known ahead of time what they were.

Mentioned in a previous thread the manner of dress (costumes) for the bulk of the cast, which didn’t bother me at all. Choreography was at times near spastic in movements, as well as beautifully done in unison (Simon Zealotes) as if it were a modern dance exercise. This all must be very exhausting for some of them on two-show days. The orchestra (on the second level of the set) were outstanding.

The set itself is massive and all-encompassing, and takes up the entire stage side to side (along with the giant fallen cross) and it’s entire height. It’s impressive, and the variety of lighting effects, not only on the multi-level set, but the large number of rotating spot lights, was phenomenal and striking. The scrim (?) was absolutely gorgeous.

For the most part the audience was engrossed in the performance. But there was one very brief moment of totally unexpected, light yet scattered laughter at the very beginning of the Last Supper scene when the 12 Apostles froze in position like the painting.

The imagery towards the latter part of the show, when Jesus comes out bloodied and battered, was powerful and moved me quite emotionally. The Crucifixion, with the way it’s lighted from behind, was haunting and simply stunning.

It’s easy to recommend this to anyone who has doubts. Don’t miss this when it comes around.

As for souvenirs, I bought the enamel pin, magnet, mug, small wooden cross, and two posters. A note about the posters (they are not 14x22 window cards), is that they’re 18x24. I’ll have to hang it in a place of honor all by itself. I also regret not getting the t-shirt. May have to order it online.

The 50th Anniversary Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar met and exceeded my expectations. 

Updated On: 1/5/20 at 09:51 PM

[ChihuahuaDad]

Posted: 1/6/20 at 8:05am

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the performance dmwnc1959. The tour is in Louisville this week, and I'm seeing the Saturday matinee. I grew up listening to the 1970 recording when it was new, so it should be a nostalgic afternoon. Can't wait!

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 1/6/20 at 5:32pm

^ ^ ^ Enjoy! Would love to hear your thoughts after you’ve seen the show. :)

[ChihuahuaDad]

Posted: 1/6/20 at 5:37pm

Will do!

[ChihuahuaDad]

Posted: 1/11/20 at 5:07pm

Saw this today in Louisville. Strong vocals from all three leads. Loved the choreography. I enjoyed the stripped down production, but I think someone new to the show might not pick up on everything, due to some highly stylized moments. A little comic relief from the High Priests camping it up with their mike stands. Would definitely recommend.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 1/11/20 at 9:04pm

^ ^ ^ Glad you enjoyed it! Would love to have seen it twice while it was in Pittsburgh, but I saved that money for souvenirs instead.

[ChihuahuaDad]

Posted: 1/11/20 at 10:10pm

Yes, it was a fun afternoon. Sort of Broadway meets rock concert. The next show for our Broadway Across America season here will be Miss Saigon in February. I've only seen the BroadwayHD taping, so I'm very excited for this!

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 11/24/21 at 1:59pm

Eric A. Lewis is now listed as Judas on the website. Pepe Nufrio is probably too valuable as a Jesus and Judas standby to get bumped up.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 11/24/21 at 6:58pm

seeing it next week in Toronto. looks alot like the TV presentation. from the reel. let u know

[MattieIce2018]

Posted: 11/25/21 at 9:37pm

CATSNYrevival said: "Eric A. Lewis is now listed as Judas on the website.Pepe Nufrio is probably too valuable as a Jesus and Judas standby to get bumped up."

I just looked at the site now and no one is listed at all as Judas. Lewis is listed in his ensemble track. I wonder why it was changed back.

[pmensky]

Posted: 11/25/21 at 10:12pm

The moderators on this site may want to consider a method of removing posts which violate their rules which includes replacing the text in the offending post with a brief statement as to why the post was removed instead of just deleting the post and pretending it never existed. Replacing the offending text with the reason for its removal is used regularly in other forums successfully, as it respectfully addresses posts which may have meant no disrespect. Most contributors don’t scrutinize or consult every rule and regulation of the forums to which they contribute, so sometimes harm or insubordination is not the contributor’s intent. 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 11/26/21 at 10:13am

pmensky said: "Most contributors don’t scrutinize or consult every rule and regulation of the forums to which they contribute, so sometimes harm or insubordination is not the contributor’s intent."

 

It is the responsibility of each member to abide by the site's "rules".  They are easy to find and easy to understand.

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/guide.cfm

 

[pmensky]

Posted: 11/26/21 at 11:26am

Highland Guy said: "pmensky said: "Most contributors don’t scrutinize or consult every rule and regulation of the forums to which they contribute, so sometimes harm or insubordination is not the contributor’s intent."



It is the responsibility of each member to abide by the site's "rules". They are easy to find and easy to understand.

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/guide.cfm

Awesome! Thanks, Bud Frump!

 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 11/26/21 at 12:18pm

pmensky said: "Highland Guy said: "pmensky said: "Most contributors don’t scrutinize or consult every rule and regulation of the forums to which they contribute, so sometimes harm or insubordination is not the contributor’s intent."



It is the responsibility of each member to abide by the site's "rules". They are easy to find and easy to understand.

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/guide.cfm

Awesome! Thanks, Bud Frump!"

 

NO  REASON  FOR  YOUR  RUDENESS

Updated On: 11/26/21 at 12:18 PM

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 11/26/21 at 12:23pm

Is anyone seeing this in Milwaukee and can say what it says in the Playbill who is Judas?

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 11/26/21 at 12:31pm

Call_me_jorge said: "Is anyone seeing this in Milwaukee and can say what it says in the Playbill who is Judas?"

The playbills could have already been printed but there may be an insert

[Moderator]

Posted: 11/26/21 at 1:09pm

A reminder to all our members that the discussion here should be limited to the on-stage aspects of the production, and the current cast. We appreciate your cooperation.

A reminder that per our rules discussions of off-stage events, rumors or hearsay are not permitted, and would fall under our personal attacks rule. To further clarify, allegations of alleged crimes are not permitted. If you have something to report we are happy to connect you with either law enforcement, or one of a number of journalists that are equipped to pursue. 

[Alexander Lamar]

Posted: 11/26/21 at 3:54pm

Forget it

Updated On: 11/26/21 at 03:54 PM

[joevitus]

Posted: 11/26/21 at 5:28pm

I was under the impression the whole tour had been cancelled. Was that a different JCS 50th Anniversary Tour? Anyway, glad to know it is still running, but can people identify which tour this is, as I seem to be confusing two, so I can check out dates in my area.

Funny to see this thread. Out of nowhere, I put the original recording on the other day in the car and ended up driving around for an hour and a half because I was so swept up in the beauty and the power of it, I just didn't want to stop listening. I have been listening to this album throughout, literally, my entire life, and I was surprised I could still respond to it so intensely and enthusiastically--sign of a great work.

Would love to catch a current production.

[Tag]

Posted: 11/26/21 at 5:36pm

There was an arena tour cancelled in 2014.  This version is based(-ish) on the NBC live broadcast.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 11/26/21 at 8:38pm

No it isn’t. It’s a restaged version of the production that originally played Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London directed by Timothy Sheader.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 11/27/21 at 6:25am

Don’t know if I ever posted pictures from when I saw it at the beginning of last year, but it may give an idea of what to expect as far as the staging (it’s sort of dimly lit, but still visible) and the posters that were in place outside the theater…

https://www.flickr.com/photos/57377062@N04/albums/72157712525306226

If it were to come back around I’d definitely make the effort to see it again.  

[A.J.]

Posted: 11/30/21 at 1:05pm

Moderator said: "A reminder to all our members that the discussion here should be limited to the on-stage aspects of the production, and the current cast. We appreciate your cooperation.

A reminder that per our rules discussions of off-stage events, rumors or hearsay are not permitted, and would fall under our personal attacks rule. To further clarify, allegations of alleged crimes are not permitted.If you have something to report we are happy to connect you with either law enforcement, or one of a number of journalists that are equipped to pursue."

Does this rule apply to articles published by BroadwayWorld? 

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/JESUS-CHRIST-SUPERSTAR-Actor-Charged-in-Relation-to-Capitol-Attack-20211124

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 11/30/21 at 1:11pm