Jesus Christ Superstar the musical - Review

Jesus Christ Superstar is a global commercial success and an important reference point in musical theatre history.

 

This re-imaging of the celebrated Easter story as a sung-through rock opera premiered in 1970 and has been revived semi-regularly ever since. This revival, directed by Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods), was produced by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2016 and won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades.

 

Choreographed by Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), and music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

 

I went into this show knowing nothing about it and I must say I was very pleasantly surprised. It was an incredible show.

 

The music makes a bold statement throughout. Live musicians are situated around the stage in parts of the set. There are many catchy guitar riffs which I enjoyed. The cast's vocals are powerful and loud. Their ranges are incredible, all different and unique which adds light and shade. It feels like you’re at a pop-rock concert as the music travels around the theatre.

 

They all give everything to their performances. This is a musical that demands to be heard. It’s the retelling of a significant moment in history, being explored in a new way through the medium of musical theatre. Ian Macintosh as Jesus and Shem Omari James as Judas lead the cast very well.

 

The contemporary choreography from Drew Mconie is challenging but the cast makes it look easy. They can transition from slower pieces to high-energy, powerful numbers seamlessly.

 

In the final moments, you could have heard a pin drop. The cast handled this delicate moment with such sensitivity.

 

This is a musical that should be on your list of ones to watch.

 

Jesus Christ Superstar continues at The Grand Theatre Wolverhampton until Saturday 18th November 2023. Tickets are available at the following link.

https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/jesus-christ-superstar/