***** (5 stars)
“Beguiling and Enthralling”
Created as a rock opera concept album in 1970,Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Sir Tim Rice’s retelling of the last week in the life of Jesus Christ would debut on stage in 1971 in New York on Broadway at the Mark Hellinger Theatre before coming to London’s west end at the Palace Theatre the following year. Loosely based on the gospel accounts of the passion of the Christ the musical focuses on Jesus and Judas and the world that surrounds them. Dealing with control, manipulation, truth, divine power and humanity its powerful material which continues to capture audiences to this day.
Falkirk Bohemians directed by Calum Campbell, musical direction by Crawford Moyes and Choreography by Natalie Tedesco deliver the finest local production of the show to be seen, it’s a show that’s beguiling and enthralling in equal measure. Callum Campbell clearly knows his source material as his vision delivers a stripped back production set in a dystopian netherworld and the show is packed with peerless performances across the board.
Alex Wheeler as “Jesus” turns in an astonishing take on the lead role that captures from the off and he has the vocal chops to deliver ever single note with power and clarity that rings around the town hall auditorium. He is matched in style by Paul Allison’s “Judas”, Addison truly gets under the skin of the conflicted apostle and his performance of “Judas’s Death” brings the audience to a wrapped silence with its spine-tingling power. Hannah Parsons “Mary” also shines with a true understanding of the character and gorgeous honey soak vocals to match. Jamie Montieth “Caiaphas” has a simply outstanding vocal range, and his bass notes rock the foundations of the venue. Special mention must go to Kenny Walker as “Herod” a character that’s too often parodied against either Rik Mayall’s or Julian Clary’s turns. Walker makes the role his own in a simpering and seething motherload of camp and baby tantrums! Wonderful stuff.
The team and MM Sound and Lighting have outdone themselves with an incredible multi layered Set featuring steel towers and trussing that’s beautifully lit and captures the heart of this rock opera. This is bolstered by great sound design, although there was a blimp in act 2 it was soon back on form.
The 11 strong orchestra under the baton of musical director Crawford Moyes are faultless and deliver the score with polished perfection so much so that the music feels like it’s a full symphonic orchestra at work. Given the musicians are cascaded across the set on those steel towers makes it even more remarkable the quality of the music that has delivered.
The 35 strong ensemble company shine brightly when delivering Natalie Tedesco’s inventive and richly envisioned choreography which is boosted by Kristin Campbell and Rebecca Harding’s fitting costume design.
Falkirk Bohemians have brought a production of the show which takes it back to its true heart allowing incredible performances to shine equally allowing the story to speak to a new generation of theatre goers.
You won’t see a better local production of Jesus Christ Superstar so do what you must to grab the last remaining tickets before crucifixion ends for good.
Falkirk Bohemians Presents Jesus Christ Superstar, Grangemouth Town Hall, Grangemouth runs until Saturday 1st November for more information and tickets go to: Home | Falkirk Bohemians
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