Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
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Editor Pick
Seeing an Original..Jesus Christ Superstar
- September 3, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
vampirefan from Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
Jesus Christ Superstar was one of the first of what would be a long list of successful Broadway shows by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Webber would go on to produce such mega hits as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Evita, CATS, and the Phantom of the Opera . All of which I have seen many, many times over. Come to think of it, I have spent enough on Mr. Webber that I think I am entitled to have my name on wing in his house. Or at least my own named room!
The title of the show should give you a hint as to what the show is about. It is of course about the life of Jesus Christ and in particular his last days, his death and consequently his resurrection, and his relationship with Judas. It is also a story about Judas and his betrayal of Jesus. It also takes a look at Mary Magdalene and Pontius Pilate.
Now technically Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat is the first show for Andrew Lloyd Webber. It would premier in April of 1968 at the Colet Court School in Hammersmith. But it would not be until 1973 before it would show up in the West End. Meanwhile with the success of shows like Tommy , Webber and lyrists Tim Rice, went to work on their own rock opera and in 1970 the original cast recording of Jesus Christ Superstar was released to the public and featured Ian Gillian from Deep Purple as Jesus, disco diva Yvonne Elliman as Mary and Murray Head (remember One Night in Bancock?). It sold more than 12 million copies.
In October of 1971 the show opened on Broadway and featured Elliman once again as Mary and Ben Vereen as Judas. The West End opening followed the following year. In 1973 the movie version appeared with Elliman once again playing Mary, Carl Anderson as Judas, and Ted Neeley as Jesus. I had the pleasure of seeing Anderson perform as Judas in the touring version with Sebastian Bach as Jesus.
The show was a huge success even though it courted controversy. Many claimed in was blasphemous, others claimed it was anti-semantic, and other claimed in would lead young people down the wrong path. One just simply needs to watch the show and see the ardor in the show to know none of these statements are true. The hauntingly beautiful I Don’t Know How to Love him is full of passion over Mary’s dilemma. Everything’s all Right is an upbeat and wonderful song and songs such as What’s The Buzz and Superstar still resonate the powerful message of this show more than 30 years later. In 1972 it was nominated for 5 Tony Awards and was nominated for a won the Theater World Awards for Ben Vereen as Best Actor in a Musical. It also garendered Webber a Drama Desk award as most Promising Composer.
Even if you have never seen one of Andrew’s shows, you have no doubt heard his name. For more than 30 years he has given us such amazing shows as Joseph, Evita, CATS, Sunset Blvd, Phantom of the Opera . 2 of his shows have the distinction of being amongst the longest running shows with the Phantom still on Broadway and the West End. Many of his shows are still touring. More than 20 million people have seen one of his shows. In fact even as you are reading this, someone, somewhere is watching an Andrew Lloyd Webber show. In 1992 he was knighted for his contribution to the arts and in 2006 he was a Kennedy Center Honors recipient. He has received numerous Tony, Grammy, and other awards. For more information on Andrew and his many amazing shows you can go to www.reallyuseful.com.
Tim Rice is the award winning composer who has also worked with Webber on Joseph and Evita . In addition he has worked with Elton John and the smash hit The Lion King and Aida . Like Webber he was knighted in 1994 for his contributions. For more information on Rice you can go to http://www.timrice.co.uk/mt.html.
Ok so back to the show. I have seen this show many times and this was just an amazing cast. Despite the age of this show, it just never seems to show its age. Its message is just as meaningful as when it was first presented to audiences. Of course it was a thrill to see Ted Neeley and Corey Glover in their roles of Jesus and Judas.
As I mentioned earlier, Neeley was in the original 1973 movie and has returned to the stage to reprise his role. He appeared as Jesus on both the NY stage as well as in the LA cast. In addition he has worked in Hair. Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club, and Tommy . He has been in several movies and TV shows and is currently working on his own musical. For more information go to http://www.neeleyontheroad.com.
Corey Glover may be more known to audiences as the lead singer for the hard rocking band, Living Color. The Grammy winning band turned out such hits as Cult of Personality and Time’s Up . He has also worked in several movies. His previous stage work includes Godspell and Fallen Angels . And talk about a performer. Wow! He is just mesmerizing as the conflicted Judas and his voice is just incredible.
While Neeley was great I must admit I am conflicted. Ted is a consummate performer who brought one of the most dramatic performances to this role that I have seen in a while. His voice is just resounding and as sexy as the first time he brought the role to life. Now I have no problems with originals returning to their roles. I mean I am already a bit heady over the fact that Anthony Rapp and Adam Pasqual are reprising their roles as Mark and Roger when they pull into town with RENT in January. And oh my lordie if Jessie L Martin were with them to reprise Tom Collins I would have to buy tickets for every night. If somehow or other the Broadway gods smiled and Michael Crawford were to come to Charlotte next summer with the Phantom, I would shout so loud IGO readers in California would say "did I hear someone say Michael Crawford will be touring in the Phantom".
Here is the thing though. RENT deals with 20 something and Anthony and Adam aren’t to far from the age and can still pass for younger. I have never read or heard that the Phantom is a certain age, and it wouldn’t matter anyway as he is disfigured and wears a mask. But Jesus Christ Superstar is based on a real person and we all know Jesus was 32 when he was murdered. While at 65, Ted doesn’t look his age, well..he can’t pass for 32. He looks more like Jesus’ father than Jesus. Up to now the oldest person I have seen play Jesus is Sebastian Bach who can still pass 32. The actors who have played Jesus have always been just gorgeous. Leaving me thinking "Jesus is hot". Then I go home and say several Hail Mary’s. Keep in mind, I’m not Catholic. But how often do you see an original?
The tours website; www.thejcstour.com
To see Ted in JCSS go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDHoTOgeNWE
While the music is rocking and the show sometimes looks like a Vegas stage show, it is none the less a heartfelt look at the life of Jesus. And if you’re lucky, you can catch an original too.
From journal Live from Charlotte
Editor Pick
Something Wicked came to Charlotte…Finally!
- September 3, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
vampirefan from Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
I had been wanting to see Wicked since it first came to Broadway. I happened to be in NY during the first few weeks it was open which would have included the original cast. And that opening cast included Kristen Chenoweth (Glinda), Idina Menzel (Elphaba) and Joel Grey (the Wizard). My husband didn’t want to go until we got to town and then there were no tickets to be had. So every year since then when I do my survey for the performing arts center on what I want to see. My 3 choices? Wicked, Wicked, and Wicked. So FINALLY in April my wish came true!
Now when you watch the annual airing of the classic movie The Wizard of Oz staring Judy Garland have you ever wondered what happened before Dorothy dropped in. The cast of Wicked are here to tell you all about it.
It starts off with Glinda coming in on her bubble to tell theater patrons that Elphaba (otherwise known as the Wicked Witch of the West) is dead. She starts from the beginning when we see Elphaba’s grand entrance as…a…green…baby! We quickly move from her formative years to her first day of Shiz U where she goes to watch over her sister. Due to a snafu she ends up with the ever so popular and beautiful, Glinda, as her roommate. Things don’t go so well as you can imagine. Glinda is loved by everyone while Elphaba is the outcast. Glinda is also after the handsome Fiyero. Much to her surprise a friendship develops between Fiyero and Elphaba. Glenda sets about to try to transform Elphaba to be more like her. But Elphaba has other ideas especially when she finds out how the animals of Oz are being treated after witnessing something that happens to one of her professors. She is determined to see the Wizard to see what she can do. Not to spoil the surprise, you will just have to see the show yourself.
Writer Stephen Schwartz based the hit musical on the book of the same name by Winnie Holzman. Stephen has also worked on musicals such as Pippin, Godspell, Fossee, and Rags. Just like Avenue Q, the critics ripped into this. In 2004 they also swept the Tony’s with 9 nominations and 3 wins including Best Actress in a Musical for Menzel. It had 10 Drama Desk nominations and 7 wins to include Best Musical. Its musical score includes such hits as Popular, I’m Not That Girl, and Defying Gravity .
When the show came out it was certainly aimed at the typical theater fan (over 50) and families. But soon something unexpected emerged. It struck a cord with young girls. They got the message that was being sent out that. That message is simple….it’s ok to be the outsider. During the last song of the first act when Elphaba is up on that riser belting out Defying Gravity you can’t help but cheer when she sings out
to those who’d ground me, take a message back from me, I’m defying gravity.
In the end Elphaba the green, outcast, has become a beloved icon. After all who of us hasn’t felt like an outside at some point in our lives.
This touring cast was just amazing but as most cases there were a few outstanding actors. Carmen Cusack plays Elphaba to perfection. She originally hails from the Chicago cast and has performed as Fatine (Le Miz), Christine (Phantom), and Rizzo (Grease). Katie Rose Clarke plays Glinda where she channels her inner Kristen Chinoweth and a bit of Elle Woods from Legally Blond. She has performed as Clara Johnson in Lights from the Piazza. Both were just absolutely delightful.
For a great behinds the scenes look at this amazing show check out the great DVD Show Business..The Road to Broadway . This documentary focuses on 4 new shows in 2003. It highlights 2 successful shows (Avenue Q and Wicked) and two that failed (Caroline or Change and Taboo).
Great Wicked Resources
www.ibdb.com for all things Broadway.
www.wickedthemusical.com for the shows official website
Broadway Musicals …The 101 Greatest Shows of all Time (keep in mind it is missing the Lion King so if certainly isn’t complete). Ken Bloom and Frank Vlastnick. 2004. Black Dog Publishers.
Wicked..The Grimmerie .David Cote. 2005. Hyperion Publishing.
DVD documentary Show Business…The Road to Broadway
To see Kristen and Idina’s magical performance just go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpVuH663PfI.
Though this musical was not a hot with the critic, it continues to be a hit with audiences worldwide. The touring companies are breaking records where ever they go. Tickets are selling out within a matter of hours. In Charlotte they were sold out within 2 hours. Thankfully I had my tickets for weeks when they went on sale to the general public. And according to the show business DVD, the show makes a million dollars per week! Keep in mind that figure was before the touring shows. In our sports obsessed world what team can claim that fete! Yet another reason to keep the arts in our schools.
This show is just amazing. I had high hopes when I came to see it and this show was way beyond what I was excepting. I fell in love with it instantly. Defying Gravity and it is on my Mp3 player and I play it all the time. I am planning a trip next year with my aunt to see it again. And probably just like The Lion King I will no doubt plan on many trips to come. So expect to see more reviews of this must-see show.
From journal Live from Charlotte
Editor Pick
Naughty Puppets…..Avenue Q.
- September 3, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
vampirefan from Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
Last year when an acquaintance offered me her ticket to see Avenue Q at half price, I though at half price I couldn’t pass it up. But to be quite honest I wasn’t so sure how I would like the show. I mean I like Muppets, but I like mine on the cute and innocent side. Like Elmo or Kermit the frog. These are naughty puppets.
A few months later I was watching one of my favorite TV shows Ace of Cakes and Duff and crew were making a cake for the touring cast party. I thought maybe this might, possibly, be cute. Still though…. naughty puppets. Then I saw the documentary Show Business…The Road to Broadway . This documentary focuses on 4 new shows in 2003. It highlights 2 successful shows (Avenue Q and Wicked) and two that failed (Caroline or Change and Taboo). After seeing this I figured I could sit through this. Yet I didn’t quite have the expectations of Wicked.
The show is about a group of 20 and 30’s something adults and a few cute puppets. It is the story of Princeton who comes to NYC with dreams of a new life right after college. He doesn’t have much money so he has to move to Avenue Q where he makes new friends and starts to wonder about his purpose in life. He meets Kate Monster, Brian and Christmas Eve, Trekkie Monster, room mates Rod and Nikki, and former child star now apartment janitor, Gary Coleman! The group explores real life issues such as figuring out life after your dreams don’t come true and relationships.
Songs such as It Sucks to Be Me, Everyone’s A Little Bit Raciest, Internet is for Porn, and If You Were Gay let you know this isn’t your Rogers and Hammerstein production. This all started when writers Robert Lopez and Jeff Marks were looking to make a TV show. They started shopping the show around but eventually made its way to a highly successful Broadway show.
When the show debut it received mixed reviews. Many didn’t think it would find an audience and one reviewer even declared it would be closed by the end of the year. In 2004 it had 6 Tony nominations and would go on to win 3 of those including an upset over Wicked for Best Musical. They also won 2 Theater World awards and were nominated for 5 Drama Desk Awards.
Now how to best describe Avenue Q? It is bawdy, raunchy, politically incorrect, over the top hilarious, and yet enduringly sweet. With only 16 people the cast if very small yet extremely talented. The actors don’t try to hide their puppets and have to be both actors and puppeteer. A feat all seem to do seamlessly.
In case you’re wondering how I liked the show. Well my cheeks were hurting from laughing so hard. The show is just simply adorable and the cast and puppets were terrific. I absolutely loved the show. In fact when I got home I went straight to their website to see where I can catch it again.
Please note this show carries mature themes. It deals with homosexuality, sexuality, and uses frank language and yes..full frontal puppet nudity. I saw a few people with their kids who soon left due to the language. The reason I had a ticket is my friend used good judgment and didn’t want to take her daughter. This certainly is not a show for small ones. For teenagers you have to think about how you feel about the above subjects and if you want your kids exposed to that. This is also not for people who are easily offended or have issues with homosexuality.
Resources/information
Broadway Musicals …The 101 Greatest Shows of all Time (keep in mind it is Missing the Lion King so if certainly isn’t complete). Ken Bloom and Frank Vlastnick. 2004. Black Dog Publishers.
Avenue Q…The Musical . Zachery Pincus-Roth. 2006. Hyperion Publishing.
DVD documentary Show Business…The Road to Broadway
www.ibdb.com The sources for all things Broadway.
www.avenueq.com The official website.
For a look at the show just go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJCU4xf5IJE.
For a night that you won’t soon forget on Broadway, make sure to stop by Avenue Q. Just make sure you bring Kleenex for all the tears of laughter.
From journal Live from Charlotte