Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar
By Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. MLOC (Vic). Director/Choreographer: Rhylee Nowell. Musical Director: Matthew Hadgraft. The Phoenix Theatre, Elwood. Nov 6 – 14, 2015.

Living on the other side of town, I haven’t encountered an MLOC production for some time, but this was the best. The direction was tight, the chorus energetic and the drama confronting.

In the title role Ben Paine had the open, happy face that made him ideal for this role. The fact that he could sing and do the pathos as well was a bonus. The whisper quiet opening to “Gethsemane” was imbued with impending tragedy.

As Judas, Omar Moustafa also sang well and the high tessitura held no fears for him. We felt his struggle to understand Jesus. Carly Daley was very good as Mary Magdalene. Operatic baritone Dean Allen-Craig was a strong Caiaphas and Tim Ryan an excellent Pilate. Sam Marzden was very funny as King Herod.

The chorus sang well and the choreography was energetic and tight. Good use was made of the multi-level single set.

I don’t recall the whipping scene done better. There was no whip, but just the sound of it as Jesus, with his arms outstretched, reacted to the pain. Then he collapsed and revealed a back covered in blood.

The five -piece band was excellent, but no mention was made of the flautist.

Well done MLOC!

Graham Ford.

Image: Ben Paine (Jesus) and Carly Daley (Mary Magdalene). Photographer: Jamie Giddens.

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