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For fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber, the original double album by Jesus Christ Superstar – known as “The Brown Album” – composed at the age of 23, is a cultural touchstone and an iconic and pioneering example of the rock opera genre. The latest touring production of the musical from the album, celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary, is a simplified version of the show with the band on stage that feels akin to a concert production – though there are modern costumes and a lot of kinetic dancing by the disciples.
The moment in time that produced the two Divine spell and Jesus Christ Superstar, which both opened in 1971 in New York City, is somewhat difficult for fans of modern musical theater to transport themselves. The hippie era was on the wane, the rock guitar had just entered its golden age, and Hair had just reinvented the musical for a new generation four years earlier. And in a way, bridging the free love of the 1960s with Christianity and modern music was fashionable – at least in America, because like the The New York Times recalls this week, the original concept album for Jesus Christ Superstar “fizzled out” in England when it was released, but it became a gangbuster in the United States, reaching number one on the Billboard charts in February 1971.
The latest production comes from Regent’s Park Open Air Theater in London, where it was the first West End production to open during the pandemic in 2020. This production, directed with fresh eyes and fresh energy by the artistic director of Regent’s Park, Timothy Sheader, also performed at Lyric Opera Chicago in 2018.
It opened at the Golden Gate Theater on Wednesday, the first show to open, besides Hamilton, under the auspices of the now-owned Ambassador Theater Group. BroadwaySF.
The extremely talented Aaron LaVigne and James T. Justis take on the roles of Jesus and Judas respectively – and in some ways Judas is the central figure in the story, being the narrator of this account of Jesus’ last seven days before his death. by crucifixion. (Controversial, Webber and lyricist Tim Rice decided to end their story before the resurrection, as that take ends with Judas dying by suicide.) Justis has a powerful and formidable voice, and he harmonizes well with it. LaVigne’s stratospheric tenor rock chops.
The disciples and followers of Jesus form an intense group in this production, in almost constant movement and performing a decidedly cult choreography by Drew McOnie. The costumes, by Tom Scutt, have Jesus and the gang all dressed in gray knit sneakers and hooded sets with matching trendy baggy pants, and with the dancing they bring an aura of proper devotion and adoration. to the group. They aren’t just well-trained choristers who go through the movements, they are wildly motivated worshipers with a whole new type of charismatic leader.
As Mary Magdalene, Jenna Rubaii does a great job worshiping and duet with LaVigne, and her voice is great too. And Paul Louis Lessard does an excellent stage tour as Herod in one of the final scenes.
The decision to continue the show without an intermission is a good one, keeping the momentum of this production uninterrupted. And Scutt’s simple but effective ensemble is also worth mentioning – two steel-framed structures, which could be interpreted as buildings under construction or recently bombed, frame the stage and provide second-story platforms for the group, with a few trees in between. and an elongated cross-shaped platform just off the central stage.
Your appreciation of this show will likely depend on your knowledge or love of music, and / or your belief that the last days of Jesus is a suitable subject for musical theater. Personally, I find most rock operas to be squeaky, and with the exception of the “hits” by Jesus Christ Superstar, “Superstar” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, it’s a score full of lots of frippery electric guitar and unpleasant melodies and recitative. But it’s a show with many fans who would strongly disagree with that sentiment, and for them it should be a delight and a well-organized celebration of the original concept album – also, a firm step on the criticism. . original Broadway production.
If nothing else, it’s a marvel of movement and classic rock, and the performers never let go.
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ will run through November 7 at the Golden Gate Theater. Find tickets here.
Top image: Photo by Matthew Murphy
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