Jesus Christ Superstar
Lyrics: Tim Rice
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Director: Timothy Sheader
29 July 2024
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Released in 1970, Jesus Christ Superstar the musical album is one of the best musical theatre soundtracks of all time. The Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice record was so popular that it led to the stage production that continues to play all over the world more than 50 years later. The latest UK Tour production of Jesus Christ Superstar has arrived at the Glasgow King's Theatre this week and it's a sensational, spellbinding masterclass in musical theatre. This version of the Olivier Award-winning, iconic rock opera is produced and performed with high-energy dancing, devastating vocals and a world class orchestra. Far from seeming dated, this is Webber and Rice, and in fact Jesus Christ Superstar at it's very best.
Jesus Christ Superstar dramatises the final week of Jesus's life leading up to the crucifixion. The story is told through Judas and a number of the twelve apostles. Whether you believe this version of events or not, it's a poignant story of devotion and betrayal, love and regret. You don't need to be religious to appreciate it. The music is so good and the performers are off-the-scale phenomenal - there isn't a weak link in the large ensemble cast. The staging, lighting and direction are sublime and the frenzied, modern choreography by Drew McOnie sees the stage flooded with intricate, engrossing dancers. With a relatively short 1 hour 50 minute run time, the action truly never stops. It's spectacular.
The soundtrack includes some legendary but notoriously difficult songs: ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, 'Damned for All Time', ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar.’ 'Heaven on their minds' is one of the best openers in musical theatre in my opinion, and 'The Last Supper' is nothing short of stunning. Jesus Christ Superstar is a sung-through musical and from one gorgeous track right into another there's a reason this soundtrack has been described as "more popular than Jesus himself." It's brilliant.
Shem Omari James was in fine voice as Judas and Hannah Richardson is ethereal as Mary Magdalene. Together with Ian McIntosh (Jesus) their voices soared during 'Everything's Alright' coming together to give me my first goosebumps of the night. Annas (Matt Bateman) and Caiaphas (Jad Habchi) command attention every time they walk on stage. Imposing and confident, their use of props is fascinating and their vocals are astonishing. Ryan O'Donnell makes for a superb Pilate and Timo Tatzber is a wonderfully flamboyant and erratic King Herod. Jordan Michael Todd (Simon) brought the house down with his brilliant rendition of Simon Zealotes / Poor Jerusalem.
Leading the show in the titular role Olivier Award nominated actor Ian McIntosh is simply divine as Jesus. His modern, guitar playing, reluctant King of the Jews is devastating. With his soulful voice and skillful control, every one of Jesus's songs is breathtaking and his Gethsemane is outstanding. The lighting arrangement, the orchestra and McIntosh's voice come together to create Musical Theatre Heaven. This number is worth the price of your ticket alone. More goosebumps!
This is a highly polished production and a true ensemble effort. With so many important characters and a fast paced book, it's a remarkable achievement in precision performance. The spotlights were always on the right cast member at the right time, the dancers never put a foot wrong, the sound levels were perfect and as far as I could see it was immaculate from beginning to end.
With creative presentation, careful direction and the best cast I've seen on stage for years, this Jesus Christ Superstar is as good as it gets.
Jesus Christ Superstar plays at The King's Theatre Glasgow until Saturday 3rd August 2024. Jump to tour listings Don't miss this world-class production! It's a true classic of musical theatre and it has never been better.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📸 production photos: Paul Coltas
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Jesus Christ Superstar UK Tour Cast (Glasgow, 29 July 2024)
Jasmine Jules Andrews (Mob Leader)
Matt Bateman (Annas)
Carla Bertran (Swing/Dance Captain)
Daniel Bowskill (Swing/Priest)
Pàje Campbell (Ensemble)
Myla Carmen (On-Stage Swing)
Louise Francis (Ensemble/Soul Singer)
Francis Foreman (Ensemble/Priest)
Jad Habchi (Caiaphas)
Joshua Hawkins (Ensemble/Peter)
Cassandra Lee (Ensemble/Soul Singer)
Stephen Lewis-Johnston (Ensemble)
Charlie McCullagh (Ensemble/Alternate Jesus)
Ian McIntosh (Jesus)
Jago Mottart (Ensemble)
Mia Musakambeva (Ensemble/Soul Singer)
Shem Omari James (Judas)
Ryan O’Donnell (Pilate)
Hannah Richardson (Mary)
Timothy Roberts (Ensemble/Priest)
Esme Rothero (Swing)
Timo Tatzber (Ensemble/Herod)
Jordan Michael Todd (Simon)
Jesus Christ Superstar UK Tour dates and Tickets
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Jesus Christ Superstar is at The King's Theatre Glasgow NOW until Saturday 3rd August 2024.
🩶 Glasgow King's Theatre
29 July - 3 August 2024
🩶 All other UK venues and dates: https://uktour.jesuschristsuperstar.com/tickets/
➡️ See what else is coming up at Glasgow King's Theatre soon including & Juliet, Come From Away and 101 Dalmatians.
➡️ See what's coming up at The Theatre Royal, Glasgow soon including Burlesque, Only fools and Horses the musical and Disney's Aladdin!
Jesus Christ Superstar Glasgow 2024 review, UK Tour, The King's Theatre Glasgow, July 2024.
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