50th ANNIVERSARY OF 'JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR' IN ROCK CONCERT FORM IS CUTTING-EDGE.
THIS NEW JCSS IS “DROP THE MIC” BRILLIANT, MOVING, AND A MUST SEE
FOR THE 2021 COMEBACK OF LIVE THEATRE
Live theatre returned this week to the iconic The Golden Theatre with a captivating re-staging of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic gospel 1970’s rock opera. This is the 50th anniversary of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR now on stage at Broadway SF’s Golden Gate stage only through November 7th.
This is Webber’s and Rice's musical take on the last days of Jesus Christ and his conflict with Judas. The past 50 years Jesus Christ Superstar has morphed from one pop format to another, and this current tour fresh from the Westend is spectacular and more like a concert version. Each actor uses a hand mic or mic stand and at one point the brilliant Tommy Sherlock as Pilate drops the mic. Tony winner Drew McOnie’s non stop choreography becomes a character in the show. It draws on the ecstasy and agony of religious rap and jazz.
This is a tour de force of the traditional bible theme gone electric. It is galvanizing, creative, fast-paced and extremely moving. It is everything you want in a production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Rice and Webber’s rock score is full-throttle by a cast of powerhouse vocalists. McOnie’s rhythmic, choreography pulses in the background of every number, complementing the high-energy songs. The orchestra built into designer Tom Scutt’s riveting set includes room for music director Shawn Gough and an eight piece rock band. Webber’s famed emotional scores have always been a perfect fit for Rice’s lyrics.
In this new production, Jesus and Judas are men with the same goals, each moving as they realize their path is set. Scutts set marks this subtext with crucifixes embedded in his design. Including an impressive cross used as a ramp down in the center of the set, and used in the design including the Temple. The high-octane Aaron Lavigne’s as Jesus and James T Justis’ Judas are engaged in an intense, vocal battle.
Maimuna Jenna Rubaii sings a pristine, “Everything’s Alright” as Mary Magdalene, the passion was moving and her impeccable voice. The entertaining Paul Louis Lessard steals the show for his short appearance as King Herod. He is costumed by Poppy Hall and his show stopping Elton John entrance stopped the show as he sings his staple number “King Herod’s Song”. I must mention Lee Currans lighting design that lifts this show off the Golden Gate stage, especially as JC is crucified on a mic stand, silhouetted against spotlights.
This new SUPERSTAR creates an experience that the audience will not soon forget. This is not some tired oldie from a bygone age; it works just as well as it did 50 years ago. The story, as interpreted by these talented actors, though the overall effect of the show is rock and passion, you’ll still leave the theatre humming those famous melodies. This is a very grand production with an exceptional cast. Rice and Webber’s story continues to have humanity at its heart.
WORK LIGHT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
THE REGENTS PARK THEATRE LONDON PRODUCTION OF
Jesus Christ Superstar
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Book by Tim Rice
Directed by Timothy Sheader
Choreography by Drew McOnie,
Musical Direction by Tom Deering,
Produced by Work Light Productions.
Through November 7th
Running time 95 minutes no intermission
Golden Gate Theatre
1 Taylor Street
Ticket broadwaysf.com. Or by phone at 888-746-1799
Rush Tickets at TodayTickets.com
IN-PERSON 40.00 RUSH TICKETS
A limited number of $40 Rush tickets will be available for every performance beginning 2 hours prior to curtain at the Golden Gate Theatre Box Office. Tickets are subject to availability. Cash or credit. 2 per person. Rush tickets are void if resold.
MOBILE 40.00 RUSH TICKETS
Download the TodayTix app in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store to unlock the Rush ticketing feature by sharing on Facebook or Twitter through the app. Check back in the app at 9am for access to exclusive day-of $40 Rush tickets for every performance.
PLEASE NOTE BROADWAYSF’s NEW PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 1pm
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