Review: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Centrestage Theatre Company Orewa

Centrestage Orewa was literally rocking over the weekend as their season of Jesus Christ Superstar opened.

While the music (circa 1970 AD) and the message (circa 30 AD) are timeless, this show is set in a mix of the two. There's some traditional tunics, some '70's Godspell-meets-Hair and some Broadway razzamatazz.

The strength is in the powerhouse of vocals that the company delivers.

The rock aspect came across loud and strong throughout the show.

Originally developed as a rock opera concept album in 1970 by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice (that's Sir Andrew and Sir Tim), it would be a year later before the musical debuted on Broadway. Loosely based on the Gospel accounts of the last week of Jesus's life, it begins with his arrival in Jerusalem and ends with his crucifixion.

Jesus Christ Superstar comes by its rock opera moniker as the show is entirely sung. The music is sensational.

With over twenty musical numbers, it depicts spiritual and political issues, tensions, and struggles solely through music and dance. It also centres upon the close relationship of Jesus and Judas. It is essential for any cast to be up to its musical challenges.

There is certainly no weakness in the strength of the vocals in this show. The vocal range that is required is not easy, yet the company meets the challenges with aplomb.

Tom Grut as Jesus has an incredible voice that encapsulated the emotion demanded by this role.

George Keenan played a tormented Judas, conflicted, frustrated and angry. He delivers a dynamic physicality, voice and huge energy. He later shows us his diversity as a performer but you should go to find out for yourselves.

Powerful voices continued to deliver throughout the show with Sophia Pederson, as Mary Magdalene, Rory Finnermore as Caiaphas, Daron Robinson as Annais, Caleb Muller as Simon Zealotes to name but a few, all honouring the fabulous music.

Matthew Pederson as Pontius Pilate and Matthew Carr as Peter the Apostle were notable in their characterisation, particularly the dilemmas they faced. And their voices were great.

There are lighter moments in the show. Glenn Hart as King Herod and his fellow tap dancers are delightful and cheeky in their performance of King Herod's Song.

You're going to appreciate the music whether this show is new to you or a trip down memory lane.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Centrestage Theatre Orewa
9th- 24th March
Bookings: https://nz.patronbase.com/_CentreStage/Productions/JC18/Performances

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