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'Jesus Christ Superstar' done live |
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| FALL RIVER -- You forget how controversial "Jesus Christ Superstar" was in 1971, when the rock musical about the death of Jesus Christ first hit Broadway. |
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Secular retellings of scripture were, if not new, then fairly rare. Some
reacted in shock or anger. Leaving the theological arguments for the better qualified, it's best to say that the show has its moments, and the Little Theatre of Fall River Inc. brings those moments to the fore in their production, which continues all weekend at Bristol Community College. "We have about 100 people in the show," said Kathy Castro, who does publicity for Little Theatre. The 100 people were pretty much all in evidence recent rehearsal at the Little Theatre's Firebarn headquarters. "Jesus will join us later," hollered co-director Jeff Belanger, either referring to the second coming or to the tardiness of Aaron Gendreau, who portrays Jesus in the production. As for the rest of the ensemble, Ken Ettress is Judas, Taryn Mallard-Reid is Mary Magdalene, Tom Marcello is Pontius Pilate and Brian McCann is Herod. Seen through the eyes of the not-very-sympathetic Judas, the rock musical centers around the last seven days of Jesus' life. The musical dramatizes Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his preaching, his betrayal by Judas, the trial before Pontius Pilate and his ultimate crucifixion. During rehearsals last week, the large cast worked at learning the steps for the many dance numbers, with the assistance of co-producer Janice MacDonald. The show is full of hippie naiveté and the music varies from sprightly to sad. The dances are numerous and energetic. The production is fortunate not just in the talent of Gendreau, but in Mallard-Reid, who makes an earthy, sweet-voiced Mary Magdalene. "Jesus Christ Superstar" can seem dated during the show's occasional dips into "hippie-speak," but those moments only add to the production's charm. A large cast may present challenges, but the large cast gives this production its sense of community and a wide age range among performers gives the crowd scenes a sense of reality. Despite its very serious subject matter, this show can be a very good time, and theater-goers should enjoy the cast's exuberance. The musical will be presented at 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. All performances will be in the Margaret L. Jackson Arts Center at Bristol Community College on Elsbree St. Single tickets are $15, with discounts available for students, seniors and groups of 20 or more. For reservations and information, call the Little Theatre box office at 508-675-1852. |
| ŠThe Herald News 2001 |