330 posts
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Post by RedRose on Aug 27, 2017 10:16:47 GMT
The story should not end with the death. I thought this version ended up with the strongest idea of resurrection, and indeed the hope of Christianity that sprang from it? That's how I remember it from last year, anyway? No, not this time. They took dead Jesus from the cross and put him to sit. Next is all getting up and not being in character anymore. |
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Post by fiyero on Aug 27, 2017 20:01:21 GMT
I saw this last night and really liked it, was disappointed not to see Tyrone though. While I liked the show it didn't speak to me in the way others have (Kenwright being my first time and the first show I remember travelling a long way to see so I only have good memories and the o2 which was just immense!), is it worth me trying to see it again with Tyrone? (no offence to the understudy, I love seeing understudies have their chance to shine!)
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Post by distantcousin on Aug 27, 2017 20:38:53 GMT
I thought this version ended up with the strongest idea of resurrection, and indeed the hope of Christianity that sprang from it? That's how I remember it from last year, anyway? No, not this time. They took dead Jesus from the cross and put him to sit. Next is all getting up and not being in character anymore. Yeah, the very end confused me too. Would like to understand the directorial choice going on there. |
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642 posts
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Post by Stasia on Aug 27, 2017 21:42:44 GMT
For me the fact that Jesus stands between his friends during these final notes (and before the bows) was fairly obvious
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1,936 posts
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Post by wickedgrin on Aug 27, 2017 23:59:12 GMT
I thought Tyrone stole the show when I saw it last year and would certainly be disappointed if he was off if I saw this again. I miss him in Dreamgirls now he has left too.
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Post by d'James on Aug 28, 2017 3:42:49 GMT
I saw this last night and really liked it, was disappointed not to see Tyrone though. While I liked the show it didn't speak to me in the way others have (Kenwright being my first time and the first show I remember travelling a long way to see so I only have good memories and the o2 which was just immense!), is it worth me trying to see it again with Tyrone? (no offence to the understudy, I love seeing understudies have their chance to shine!) I've got tickets for later in the run. Without Tyrone I'm not sure I'd enjoy it as much. |
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330 posts
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Post by RedRose on Aug 28, 2017 6:30:00 GMT
For me the fact that Jesus stands between his friends during these final notes (and before the bows) was fairly obvious I had the Impression that the majority around me was confused if this was the end. You surely have seen it more than once before so you knew where it was about to end. |
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2,022 posts
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Post by distantcousin on Aug 28, 2017 8:51:21 GMT
For me the fact that Jesus stands between his friends during these final notes (and before the bows) was fairly obvious It was a little too subtle for a ressurection, in my opinion (if that's what in fact it was) |
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Post by rockinrobin on Aug 28, 2017 12:25:06 GMT
Speaking of understudies - I saw it again on Saturday evening, with Joshua Dever as Judas. He did great although I can imagine how hard it must have been...
It is a stunningly good show. A true gem. I could watch it once a week for the next 33 years and I wouldn't get bored.
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642 posts
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Post by Stasia on Aug 28, 2017 22:38:47 GMT
Just returned from the Open Air Theatre. Yep, the resurrection is definitely subtle, but I still think that the ending where Jesus stands up (way before the bows) definitely means it.
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1,287 posts
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Post by theatrefan77 on Aug 28, 2017 23:04:10 GMT
Just returned from the Open Air Theatre. Yep, the resurrection is definitely subtle, but I still think that the ending where Jesus stands up (way before the bows) definitely means it. Where there any understudies? Just curious as I'm going tomorrow. Thanks |
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Post by Stasia on Aug 29, 2017 7:54:10 GMT
Just returned from the Open Air Theatre. Yep, the resurrection is definitely subtle, but I still think that the ending where Jesus stands up (way before the bows) definitely means it. Where there any understudies? Just curious as I'm going tomorrow. Thanks Nope, everyone was on, including Tyrone |
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Post by theatrefan77 on Aug 29, 2017 12:10:26 GMT
Nope, everyone was on, including Tyrone Thanks!! |
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Post by stageyninja83 on Aug 29, 2017 21:52:04 GMT
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were in the audience tonight, got up at the end to make a speech about how much they loved this production, particularly the band. Was great to see them getting recognition along with the cast. Would really love a cast recording of this production.
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Post by steve10086 on Aug 29, 2017 22:10:27 GMT
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were in the audience tonight, got up at the end to make a speech about how much they loved this production, particularly the band. Was great to see them getting recognition along with the cast. Would really love a cast recording of this production. I hope ALW didn't say "this is the best production of JCS I've ever seen, and I had nothing to do with it" |
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Post by BGLowe on Aug 30, 2017 17:17:01 GMT
I'm meant to be there tonight. Everybody cross your fingers the rain stops!
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Post by gra on Aug 31, 2017 9:30:49 GMT
I'm meant to be there tonight. Everybody cross your fingers the rain stops! I was also there last night. So lucky with the weather. After raining for most of the day, it stopped around 7 and we had a clear evening. Show was as brilliant as ever! |
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Post by BGLowe on Aug 31, 2017 17:24:38 GMT
I'm meant to be there tonight. Everybody cross your fingers the rain stops! I was also there last night. So lucky with the weather. After raining for most of the day, it stopped around 7 and we had a clear evening. Show was as brilliant as ever! Weren't we lucky! It was outstanding - this was my favourite show last year and it's done it again this year. I didn't manage to catch Declan last year but I thought he was fantastic last night (although of course the stand out is Tyrone). |
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Post by theatrefan77 on Aug 31, 2017 18:12:45 GMT
Saw it on Tuesday and I agree that it's outstanding. I enjoyed it even more than last year
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2017 19:22:49 GMT
I know a lot of songs but it was the first time I saw a whole production. Only issue I have as a Christian with the piece itself is the strange ending. The story should not end with the death. I remember reading something years ago where Tim Rice said that they wanted it to end on a note of hope. Which I thought was quite nice, enabling us all to make up our own minds about what happens afterwards. John 19:41 reads: "At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid." And if this finale doesn't make your chest throb with emotion, then nothing will... I think the original concept album stated it was "A Rock Opera retelling the story of the last week in the life of Christ." Which it does, I suppose, combining different versions of the four gospels, some historical facts and some of the creators' imaginations. It's interesting what different directors do for the ending. So many possibilities... |
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Post by Steffi on Sept 3, 2017 8:50:06 GMT
Return visit yesterady afternoon after seeing the very first preview last year. What an emotional rollercoaster! Declan Bennett and Tyrone Huntley were great when I saw the show last year but they completely blew my mind with their performances this time. Absolutely incredible.
I was basically sobbing from Gethsemane till the end of the show - I like Jesus Christ Superstar but no other production has ever managed to do that to me.
So glad I managed to see this again.
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Post by richey on Sept 3, 2017 9:00:24 GMT
It's interesting what different directors do for the ending. So many possibilities... I've always thought it ended with the Jesus' death and most of the productions I've seen have done so. The only exception was a Kenwright tour from about ten years ago where we left in no doubt that the resurrection had occured. Jesus appeared in white robes on a rear balcony amid blazing lights. It didn't work and ruined what was otherwise quite a good version of the show |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2017 9:37:36 GMT
It's interesting what different directors do for the ending. So many possibilities... I've always thought it ended with the Jesus' death and most of the productions I've seen have done so. The only exception was a Kenwright tour from about ten years ago where we left in no doubt that the resurrection had occured. Jesus appeared in white robes on a rear balcony amid blazing lights. It didn't work and ruined what was otherwise quite a good version of the show Yes, the Kenwright thing was just ghastly. Tacky and completely naff. I suppose I was thinking along the lines of some of the subtler suggestions of an afterlife like in the Regent's Park production I saw last year. (I directed it myself some years back, and had Jesus brought down from the cross by his followers. They stood him up, still cross-like, gathering around him and staring at him, as if refusing he'd died, and as the last few bars of John 19:41 played, he opened his eyes and laughed, and they all touched him in wonder. I was rather pleased with myself!) |
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Post by sam22 on Sept 4, 2017 16:34:11 GMT
I saw this about two weeks'ago, a Saturday matinee, but forgot to post. Overall I thought it was a brilliant production. I loved Tyrone Huntley. I wasn't as keen on Declan Bennett though this may have been down to direction rather than him personally.
I won't post any spoilers but loved how some of it was done e.g. blood money, the Last Supper and the lashes. I did think the use of microphones did detract from the acting at times, particularly when Judas and Jesus were singing to each other at the start of Act 2.
The only thing I wasn't as keen on direction wise was the priests as I thought they were too comical.
It is a show I love but the first production I have seen which I have really enjoyed (having seen the 2005ish UK tour and the production following the ITV show. I had to explain a few parts to the friends I went with in the interval as they weren't familiar with the show, I can imagine it you have never heard the music it can be hard to follow!
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Post by synchrony on Sept 4, 2017 16:47:52 GMT
Saw this at the weekend. I agree with a lot of what sam22 said; I liked the blood money, Last Supper and lashes. I also really liked the symbolism in Herod's song - creepy.
I didn't like the dancing pharisees at all. I agree that it made them comical, and it completely jarred with the fact they're supposed to be threatening.
I also really disliked Mary and Jesus on the guitars and found that distracting and took away from their acting.
I went with two people who had never seen the show before. As someone who has loved this show since a young teenager (introduced to it via the film, which I had no trouble at all in following), I thought some of the direction (and poor diction) made it incredibly hard to follow. Neither of them had a clue what was going on in the temple scene, or the cripples scene. In fact, I felt that three numbers in Act 1 all rather blended together. They didn't know who Pilate or Simon Zealot were until I told them.
I thought Act 2 was much stronger. I loved the scenery and I loved Pilate.
Very mixed feelings overall. I enjoyed it, and really enjoyed the symbolism, but I don't think it's a very accessible production for anyone not already familiar with the show (or very knowledgeable about the New Testament).
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