The Little Theater of Fall River, Inc.

presents

Jesus Christ

SUPERSTAR

Co-Directed and Co-Choreographed by

Jeff Belanger and Janice MacDonald

Reviewed by Don Gillis, October 11, 2001

Its not often that one can see a staged version of "Jesus Christ Superstar" because it is so difficult to find a cast that can sing the music let alone the plot.  The Little Theater of Fall River, under the outstanding direction and choreography of Jeff Belanger and Janice MacDonald have a winning show for the audiences in the surrounding area. I do not usually travel to Massachusetts to see a production, but this one was truly worth the trip.

The cast was absolutely outstanding.  The musical director, Jane Fiore Bigelow, has put this show far ahead of any production of Jesus Christ Superstar that I have seen locally.  The talented voices soared throughout the auditorium.  There were over 100 cast member in this production, so I am truly amazed, not only with Jane and her dedication and work she had to do to make those voices (many of them very young teens) sound so beautiful but I cannot imagine even attempting to put 100 people on stage and have them exit gracefully!  Jeff and Janice did it!  The staging at the Margaret L. Jackson Performing Arts Center at the Bristol Community College is a perfect venue for this production.  The set design by Jeff Belanger and Darlene Miller was simple but workable.  Costumes created by Fran Petisca and designed by Tom Marcello were very authentic and very, very colorful!.

Excellent Stage Managing by Kathy Castro with assistance from Donna Klambkin made for a smooth flowing production. Lighting design by Jeff Belanger and Shawn G. Elliott was very special in many portions of the show. ( I liked the slide show of Jesus - nice effect!) The crew that I have not mentioned individually deserve a word of praise because I know that without a GOOD stage crew, performers and audiences are not going to see the full potential of a production. 

Standout performances are necessary here:  Jesus played by Aaron Gendreau, Judas played by Ken Ettress, Mary played by Taryn Mallard-Reid, Pilate played by Tom Marcello, Michael Wrobleski as Caiaphas, John Ashley as Peter, David Faria as Annas, Robert Houde II as Simon, and a very funny guy, Brian McCann as Herod had the audience in stitches with his "Herod's Song".

Others not mentioned (keep in mind , there are 100 in this production!) did an outstanding job as supporting these principal cast members.  I liked the way it started with an Adam and Eve Ballet by Loralee Levesque, Steve Wrobleski and Desiree Justin.  But these were just three people who had little stage time, but added so much to the overall production.. I applaud and commend all of you!

Due to space limitation, I cannot give individual comments to everyone, however I will tell you who impressed me (not in any particular order).  Tom Marcello did a creditable job as Pilate.  Ken Ettress was the perfect choice for Judas with his rock opera voice and commanding presence on stage.  Aaron Gendreau as Jesus was truly outstanding-his rich voice resounding in the auditorium.  And Taryn Mallard-Reid made the perfect Mary Magdalene, with her manner and vocal prowess.  Her rendition of "I Don't Know How To Love Him" will bring tears to your eyes.  I also liked John Ashley as Peter - he was very convincing and his voice was beautiful "Could We Start Again Please".   And the comic relief standout performer was:  Brian McCann as  King Herod - he was magnificent!!! The Apostles in this production:  Richard Bento, Andrew Correia, Joseph Luca, Jacob Miller, Joe Raposa, Kevin Robinson, James Roy, Mark Velozo and Michael Xavier were all very good, singing and acting.

A truly outstanding production in all aspects as I see it. If you are reading this from the computer, try and get tickets for this production - you won't regret it!  October 11-13 at 8pm.  October 14th at 2pm.

Comments  from cast and crew are welcome!!

Don Gillis
Little Rhody Theater

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (till October 14, 2001)
The Little Theater of Fall River, Inc.
Margaret L. Jackson Performing Arts Center
Bristol Community College
Fall River, MA