Jesus Christ Superstar

The programme tells us that this is a “reimagining” of Jesus Christ Superstar– which is all well and good but when historical facts are tampered with: i.e. casting two of the major principal roles and six of the disciples as females (in my book) it’s taking things too far.

Where this production had a lot of good things going for it: a) a great cast, b) fantastic musicians, c) imaginative staging, it also was marred by the overuse of electronic gimmickry and the tsunami of ineffectual and repetitious choreography and at one stage, beach balls being  punted around the audience. On numerous occasions it was difficult to identify the principals through the prancing dancers downstage and the gaudy imagery being flashed across the numerous video screens.

Fortunately, the principal line up of Jesus – Stevie Mac, Judas – Dash Kruck, Mary – Lizzie Moore, Pilate – Angela Toohey and Herod – Bob La Castra (former TV performer and writer, now Gold Coast Councillor) and supporting players Simon – Adam Spizzo, Peter - Josh Lovell, Lawrie Esmond – Caiaphas and Elisa James as Annas were strong.

Creating this “contemporary” production were Director Kris Stewart, Musical Director David Piper and Choreographer Ben Veitch.

This production may win over new “disciples” but left many seasoned theatre-goers a little disappointed.

Roger McKenzie