Jesus
Christ Superstar:
The DVD
This is the sequel to my 'JCS
at the Hippodrome' review, which featured orgasmic raptures and profuse praise
for the new touring production. I won't repeat myself - so if you want to know
what a magnificent show that was, click the 'back' arrow!
I bought the DVD from Amazon, as I said before, while on my post-Saturday matinee
high, because the experience was one I couldn't wait to recreate in my living
room. It's interesting to compare this filmed version - which dates back to
2000 - to the new show. It takes a quite different approach, and I find it hard
to say which I prefer. I guess I'll just sit on the fence and say I love both
- they're wonderful for different reasons.
The film has a very modern, edgy, West Side Story-ish feel - with minimalist
sets, video screens, graffiti, clubby costumes, Gestapo-esque officers, and
Christ fans bearing banners that proclaim slogans like 'JESUS RULES.' It's interesting
to see how the new theatre production has returned to its 'Biblical' roots,
with more traditional costumes and sets.
It's also worth comparing the DVD with the original 1973 Jesus Christ Superstar
film. While the feel of that was more epic and grandiose - being shot on stunning
location in Israel - this version conversely works well in its studio setting.
The ambience is more claustrophobic and menacing.
Glenn Carter once again plays Jesus, looks luscious and sings with charismatic
passion, especially in the great Gethsemane scene. The
chemistry and tension between Jesus and Judas is electric. I have to say I find
it difficult now to imagine anyone but James Fox playing Judas - he has already
made the role so much his own - though Jerome Pradon is excellent here as the
tormented traitor.
Renee Castle makes a sensual, fiery Mary Magdalene, and Tony Vincent - who has
since come to greater prominence in the Queen musical We Will Rock You
- makes a pre-Galileo appearance as the blond-highlighted apostle Simon.
The great Rik Mayall gives a gloriously taunting performance in what must be
the most fun cameo role in musical theatre - Herod. He plays the sneering king
just as he played Richie Rich doing one of his showbiz pastiches in the criminally
underrated 80s sitcom Filthy Rich & Catflap.
The DVD features a bonus behind-the-scenes documentary with enlightening interviews
with the main stars, crew and Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. (I had forgotten,
BTW, what a lovely, melodious voice Sir Tim has! I really could listen to him
talk all day. My teenage diary contains one or two toe-curling passages of the
'Ooh, I saw that Tim Rice on the telly last night - I could really fall for
him' variety!!)
The other 'extras' are trailers for JCS itself and the filmed releases
of Joseph (starring Donny Osmond and Joan Collins) and Cats.
As I said, this isn't exactly a new release, but I wouldn't be surprised if
it wins new audiences on the back of the current 'Superstar' tour. Die-hard
fans will already have it, but for slow-on-the-uptake converts like me, it's
well worth the money.
© Leigh Rowley, 2004