Talented cast but weak production
by Nadine on 4/24/24Old National Events Plaza - EvansvilleRating: 2 out of 5Show started half an hour late, music overpowered the singers, and the end of the show was altered negatively.

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Jesus Christ Superstar on Tour
The musical-theater version of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice's hit 1970 rock opera gets the passionate revival it has long deserved when the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's production of Jesus Christ Superstar comes to the United States. The show's 50th Anniversary Tour offers an emotionally resonant, hard-rocking experience that debuted in London in 2016. Director Timothy Sheader and choreographer Drew McOnie's cutting-edge production won a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards. The 50th Anniversary Tour marks the first major revival of Jesus Christ Superstar in nearly a decade.
Jesus Christ Superstar Background
Jesus Christ Superstar originated as a high-concept rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice in 1970 and sold more than 7 million copies by 1983. Their account of Jesus' last week of life made its Broadway debut as a musical in 1971, dazzling audiences with its stirringly maximal music and minimal dialogue. Two film adaptations followed, in 1973 and 1999, and NBC aired a live concert version, starring John Legend as Jesus, on April 1 (Easter Sunday), 2018.
"This is not your grandmother's Superstar," Catey Sullivan wrote in the Chicago Sun-Times when Timothy Sheader directed the musical in Chicago in 2018. "Drew McOnie's choreography has the explosive feel of barely contained ecstasy, filled with flailing movements that evoke old time tent revivals where snake handlers spoke in tongues and miraculously cured the sick."
The 50th Anniversary Tour production of Jesus Christ Superstar stars actor-singer-songwriter Aaron La Vigne as Jesus, actor-poet James Delisco Beeks as Judas and Jenna Rubaii as Mary Magdalene. You'll shout hallelujah! during the onstage rock band's renditions of "This Jesus Must Die," "I Don't Know How to Love Him" and "Superstar." And when one of the Pharisees sings, "One thing I'll say for him, Jesus is cool," you will take him at his word.
Show started half an hour late, music overpowered the singers, and the end of the show was altered negatively.
This production of Jesus Christ Superstar was workman like in its energy and singing quality. What it lacked was costumes that distinguished the performers from each other. To us, only Christ who was usually in white garments, was identifiable. Sadly, there were time when Jesus was confused With Judas. At times the performers voices were musically good but unintelligible to the ear, so dialogue was lost. We like it, but with some improvements it could have been great.
Great show. Why no program/playbill? Disappointed to not be able to read about the production and actor bios.
Jesus Christ Superstar was one of the best shows I've ever seen! The stunning vocals and storyline left me in tears. I was a bit concerned about the 90 minutes with no intermission but it was so riveting that I wouldn't have wanted a break if I needed one.
great show, so many great voices. band fantastic!!
We were excited to see the performance as we have seen it several time's when it first appeared both in New York and London. It appears the producers and directors have changed the program. It was extremely difficult to understand the actors, but since we knew all the songs by heart, we cold follow along. They also all had hand held microphones which we thought was unusual and it restricted their movement and acting. The actors seemed to be "screaming"out the lyrics. The overall mood was a "dark"tone. We were disappointed.
Their voices, especially those of Judas and Jesus were simply off the charts amazing!! You could only sit there with your mouth open! I was a bit surprised that they used hand held microphones and passed then back and forth. The scene where Jesus Christ Superstar was sung by Judas was where they chose to show the brutality of Jesus' beatings. You couldn't focus on the song that Judas sang with such power and conviction only the choreographed beatings. Perhaps that's the way it should be. (This is just a personal view point and not a flaw in the performance.)
This production of Jesus Christ Superstar was a slightly different interpretation and it was terrific! The performers and musicians did a great job. We really enjoyed it.
JC Superstar was just incredible, the music, the singers and cast were just fantastic. Non stop music, the modern version of Jesus Christ and how he was betrayed and crucified. A must see.
Everything was great. Cast, vocals, scenery, everything! What stood out though was the dancing. Amazing!
It was one of the best plays I have ever seen! The cast was fabulous, the music and score was great! Everyone should really see this play!!!!
This show was expensive and terrible. You could not hear any of the words which made it impossible to follow along.
Saw this in 2020 and was very disappointed, but gave it another chance, and this time it was GREAT.
I was first introduced to Jesus Christ Superstar in the 1970's as a young child, this performance lived up to my first experience. It recreated all the emotions I felt the first time. I was able to recall almost all the words to the songs. The performers were superb.
The 50th Anniversary presentation was just as good as the one I saw at the RBTL in 2021 and a couple of times in the 1970’s phenomenal! The tour had some very strong and talented actresses/actors and I enjoyed the evening!
Dancing was good, but was disappointed. I could not understand the words when they wee singing except for the lady who portrayed Mary. My friends said they also could not hear the words of the songs. I actually went home and watched it on YouTube so I would understand the point of the show.
Excellent show with excellent performers. Loved the dancing and artistic interpretation.
I saw original show on Broadway in the early 70s. This production was a close second. It was magnificent, thrilling, heartbreaking. The actors were authentic and so, so talented. Wonderful soaring vocals! And the orchestra was wonderful too. I loved every minute of it and was sorry when it came to an end. I wish these talented actors, crew, and orchestra much success in their careers.
This was our first time at the Hershey Theater. It is a gorgeous venue, easy to get to, and the parking is also convenient. Staff was very helpful, the show was incredible. I would definitely go to more shows at the Hershey theater.
Saw JC Superstar live in Reading, PA. First time live but really enjoyed it. The actors were superb with an amazing gift of music. Stage/setting was creative, lights were dazzling and costumes super fun and modern. Was concerned about a couple of scenes (Judas' death and the crucifixion) but both handled tastefully - even for young audiences. Why not 5 stars? There was no intermission and no cameras allowed. Not sure if either is the norm for JC, but have been to many live shows and never had either be a problem.