Just watched on YouTube a truly impressive production of this, as part of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Stay-at-Home' campaign during theatre (and overall) lockdown, of showing musicals for free for just 48 hours. [As I write this only 8.5 hours left]. Unfortunately, stills of this production, filmed just a few days ago at our Birmingham's [I think] vast arena are not available to be posted elsewhere - though this production has toured other countries too, including U.S.A.
My first encounter with this musical was [for me] the highly unsatisfactory 1973 film version, widely criticised on release for having such a charisma-lite Jesus, in the person of one Ted Neely whose flyweight presence was emphasised all the more by the bullet-like Carl Anderson as Judas. The leaden direction of Norman Jewison only made matters worse.
But after that, sometime in the late 70s I saw it live on stage and was immediately converted into seeing what a fine piece of theatre it really is - musically, lyrically and [but of course], story. I've seen it in the theatre in all, I think, six times, and they've all made me tear up [i.e. with tears as in 'eye']. I'd love to see it again.
So it was the same effect with this present spectacular production, updated to the present day but with a strong hark back to the 60s in the time of student demonstrations and the like.
Cast here is v.good indeed - led by that present-day Aussie multi-talent-on-legs, Tim Minchin, as Judas, perfect foil to a strong Jesus presence in Ben Forster. Mary Magdelene is [former?] Spice Girl Mel C., actually pretty good - plus the one whose outrageously entertaining song everybody looks forward to, King Herod, well played with sufficient camp without overdoing it, by former BBC [and other] radio presenter Chris Moyles. [Pity that when he's crucified, Jesus' 'crown of thorns' slipped right down over one eye - but that's live theatre for you].
The huge audience didn't hold back from voicing their acclaim, and at the end, the composer Lord L.W. himself came on stage to say a few words and thank the cast. He fully deserved to be well pleased. I was! What a treat! Terrific stuff!
[And I'm ever so sorry again not to be able to provide any stills]
My first encounter with this musical was [for me] the highly unsatisfactory 1973 film version, widely criticised on release for having such a charisma-lite Jesus, in the person of one Ted Neely whose flyweight presence was emphasised all the more by the bullet-like Carl Anderson as Judas. The leaden direction of Norman Jewison only made matters worse.
But after that, sometime in the late 70s I saw it live on stage and was immediately converted into seeing what a fine piece of theatre it really is - musically, lyrically and [but of course], story. I've seen it in the theatre in all, I think, six times, and they've all made me tear up [i.e. with tears as in 'eye']. I'd love to see it again.
So it was the same effect with this present spectacular production, updated to the present day but with a strong hark back to the 60s in the time of student demonstrations and the like.
Cast here is v.good indeed - led by that present-day Aussie multi-talent-on-legs, Tim Minchin, as Judas, perfect foil to a strong Jesus presence in Ben Forster. Mary Magdelene is [former?] Spice Girl Mel C., actually pretty good - plus the one whose outrageously entertaining song everybody looks forward to, King Herod, well played with sufficient camp without overdoing it, by former BBC [and other] radio presenter Chris Moyles. [Pity that when he's crucified, Jesus' 'crown of thorns' slipped right down over one eye - but that's live theatre for you].
The huge audience didn't hold back from voicing their acclaim, and at the end, the composer Lord L.W. himself came on stage to say a few words and thank the cast. He fully deserved to be well pleased. I was! What a treat! Terrific stuff!
[And I'm ever so sorry again not to be able to provide any stills]
Thanks. Sounds like a great watch.
ReplyDeleteIt was an experience worthy to enter in my 'diary', Mitch, where I only note events of 'significance'.
DeleteI do like the score.
ReplyDeleteThat's all I got ... wait. I Googled Carl Anderson as Judas. Oh my, I may have to take a look.
If you do look for Carl A. [I never knew what became of him], Bob, pay more attention to the sight than the sound, though he did also have an imposing voice to suit his presence.
DeleteI saw the NYC stage show in 1973 or 74. ted and carl were on the stage.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't been aware that - or hadn't thought about - they were in a stage version, W.Q., which is probably why they were cast for the film - or could it have been the other way around? i.e. they played it on stage BECAUSE they'd been in the film? Either way it seems to have been a career peak for each of them.
DeleteAnd you've probably seen that I've taken out the phantom spammer, most likely the same one who'd been a pesky nuisance to my own blog until recently. I'd found it was relatively simple to delete his inane comments in about two seconds [without even reading them] far quicker then he must have taken to write his drivel. Good riddance, I say!
Deletethank you; the spammer is a waste of DNA.
DeleteAnd when he uses one of our names to post a comment on someone else's blog, that's just the action of someone too cowardly to reveal himself. Wish he'd just get lost - permanently.
DeleteHappy ersatz-Easter !
ReplyDeleteAnd to you too. Keep safe, and only close to those you know well, however many legs they've got.
DeleteOh, I would like to have seen that. My only "see" was the film back in the 70s. I liked it, but I understood the criticism it got. Perhaps one day I will see it live! One of my favorite lines: "Prove to me that you're no fool: walk across my swimming pool." Herod, of course.
ReplyDelete....plus-
DeleteProve to me that you're Divine.
Turn my water into wine.
and-
Feed my household with this bread.
You can do it on your head.
Time Rice was no slouch when it came to writing memorable lyrics.
I still think that Andrew L-W's best musicals have been the only three he wrote with Rice - this one, Joseph and Evita.
I could do with some turning water into wine at the moment! I have loved Tim Minchin every time I have seen, either comedy or acting or both.
ReplyDeleteHe surely is the mega-talent of the moment, Carol. Wish I had the chance to see his 'Matilda'.
DeleteThere was a black comedy series recently on television called "upright", as in piano, with Tim Minchin and a young girl ( Can't remember her name ) and it was excellent. It made me laugh and it made me cry. Truly brilliant.
DeleteI'll search it out and see if it's still available, Carol. Thanks.
DeleteWe watched it Saturday night and then watched the John Legend version Sunday night. That's a lot of Jesus for me, but have to say the version you talked about is far superior I think.
ReplyDeleteI see the John Legend production is still available on YouTube, Mark. I'll definitely watch it very soon, even if I'm seeing it in the wrong order to the recent one - which, incidentally, I'm ever so pleased you were able to catch. There's also another production performed in Italy there from 2017. Also going to watch that. I think it's such a robust show that one doesn't tire of it, at least I don't.
Delete