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Jesus
Christ Superstar
St. Swithun's
Church, Purley
Wednesday,
July 12, to Saturday, July 15
The raw energy this show demands swept off the cleverly improvised
church stage as PYT infused the audience with this bravura production.
Director Mike Millsted had drilled his chorus well. They sang lustily,
reacted to every nuance of the well-known story and did choreographer
Luisa McAlpine’s choreography proud.
Youngsters from 11 – 21 enacted the events leading up to the
crucifixion with empathy. Powerful performances came from Paul
Hill’s emotional acting and strong vocal range as Judas and the
gentle comparison, rising to passion of Dan Quinn, who brought huge
ability and an understanding beyond his years to the role of Jesus.
Alternating in the role of Mary Magadalene were Caroline Rodgers and
Hannah Millsted. Hannah, whom I saw, made much of her famous solos with
I Don’t Know How to Love Him being particularly compassionate.
Gareth Heale and Sheridan Smith subjected JC to their anger and
ridicule as Pontius Pilate and Caiaphas respectively, and Josh
Bernstein was the thrice-denying Peter.
Joseph Clowser headed up the 20’s tennis spoof as Herod, baiting
Jesus so comically in King Herod’s Song, and other production
ideas turned the temple into an instant leper colony and the 39 lashes
administered by the crowd’s bloodied hands.
Uplifting through both its subject matter and the dedication of its
cast, the show’s musical numbers were highly professional under
the baton of David Starbuck and a large band of talented
musicians.
Alister Kennard’s technical direction weaved more magic and PYT
will send all the proceeds to the White Orange Youth African AIDS
awareness charity which, like their production, is most commendable.
Theo
Spring,
The Guide,
Croydon Advertiser.
This is Theo's original unedited review.
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