Jesus Christ Superstar Reviews

Laurie Rejzer from Portland, Oregon

SO CLOSE TO EXCEPTIONAL!

Just saw Superstar last night at the Keller. This show has some amazing moments that highlight near perfect vocals & dynamic (but at times distracting) choreography all riding on a rock foundation from a stellar band. I had 2 main issues: 1. While the vocals were pitch perfect. I missed the passion, intensity, and raw rock emotion. “Get out, they’re waiting!” “Alright! I’ll die! See how I die!” “…You have made it a den of thrives! Get out!” This Jesus just sings the notes.. There is no real rock intensity. And Judas feels much the same.. glorious vocals, but it’s too clean, too pretty for a man so tortured. Where’s the fire? The chaos in his vocals? Two words: Murray Head. 2. The whole show was rushed. There were no pauses for us to let a song simmer.. ends of phrases were often cut short, or barely spoken (pilate’s dream). the overture was rushed, just felt very hurried. Caiaphas was the best I’ve ever seen. Look, Voice, presence. Loved the Judas/Jesus sit down to close the show.

JKFC from San Francisco, California

AN ENTERTAINING EVENING

Iv'e seen 3 professional productions of JCS in my lifetime: One that blew me away, one that was a joke, and this tour which I'd say is in the middle. The quality of the voices and the orchestration is exceptional. The ensemble danced their butt off! Mary was solid, Judas was a bit too one note (very intense but what a voice!), but Jesus was aloof and did not seem connected (except for his last song, which he nailed!). The rest of the cast was great. It was staged on a unit set depicting a dilapidated. multi-level, steel-beam building that "just happened" to have a section broken off in the shape of a cross. Direction wise, it missed cohesiveness and there were some really strange glitter choices and way too many "trying to be clever" microphone moments, but overall the music and the spirit of the songs was there and if you grew up listening to this rock opera, you will find yourself bopping to awesome grooves. I'm happy I saw it, now someone please help get the songs out my head!

Therese Brannon from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Saw this show in Milwaukee. The new Judas, understudy(?) Was intense and brilliant. Jesus actor started slow but got powerful midway through. The dancers were incredible as were the High priests. Live shows such as this are difficult keeping momentum. But this was thoroughly enjoyable. The bad reviews are perplexing. Mary was a tiny presence with a good strong voice. Judas and priests and herod as well( absolutely) pilot were terrific.

Pat Ennis from Memphis, Tennessee

DOES NOT MEASURE UP TO 70’S

I was so excited to get tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar at the Orpheum in Memphis Tn! My husband and I loved loved the movie in the 70’s with Ted Neely! I was so disappointed in the play! The only one measuring up to the task was Mary Madeline. Jesus was strong but not close to Neely! It was much too much for the girl who played Judas, nowhere coming close to the movie! I could not understand much of her singing even with my knowing the lyrics well! The music was WONDERFUL! The props were good but not particularly impressive! The dancers were amazing ! Again, perhaps I would have given a better review had I not loved the 70’s movie so! We sat in mezzanine which is our favorite place to sit. My husband had given me a sizable gift certificate to the Orpheum before Covid. We were delighted that it was honored. However, in order to redeem gift certificates required purchasing tickets in person, not on line or by phone which was very inconvenient! We had an amazing meal at Majestic!

Meg from Fort Worth, Texas

BEAUTIFUL SHOW, CAN'T UNDERSTAND THE WORDS

My mother and I saw this together and we were in awe by the whole show. The performances were amazing, the costumes spoke so much about each character, and the lashing scene made my jaw drop! The actors all sung their hearts out, and thankfully you can still tell that despite the audio of the show drowning out most of the lyrics. I loved everyone's performance and wish I could buy a recording of them all singing so I can properly enjoy their voices! If you don't mind not understanding the lyrics, everything else is stunning, I wish I could see it all over again ❤️

Anne from Vancouver, British Columbia

LOVED TO SEE IT AGAIN 50 YEARS LATER!

Went with my daughter and had a very enjoyable evening. First off, the singing was fantastic, although I thought the pacing in the beginning was a bit rushed. There are a lot of words and emotion in Judas' first number and it wouldn't have hurt for him (or the director) to have slowed that number down a little. I wasn't sure if Jesus had enough "presence" in the first part of the show, he seems to be just standing around at times, waiting for his next number - but his singing in later numbers, particularly "Gethsemene" - wow. The famous high G's were still musical notes, not just screeches. Secondary cast members were also impressive - particulary Caiaphas - who was very charismatic (in a sinister way) in the role. His baritone would not be rushed and the effect was very centering. Mary Magdalene's character is a mature, soothing, almost maternal presence, versus a love-struck young girl - and I thought this was effective, if less romantic. At first I was a bit put off by the cast members playing guitars and carrying mics around, but got used to it and even found it quite effective. It does mean there is less capacity for "acting" and more of a rock concert vs musical theatre feel, but apparently this is what they were going for, as per original intent. The high energy component that might be missing from the more singing-centred performances of the main cast members is provided by the dancers who are a constant, at times almost frenetic, presence and carry the narrative in an alternate way. Judas played his role well and the non-traditional addition at the end brought a bit of closure to what has always be a bit of an "unfinished" feel to the story, given there isn't a resurrection. The set, although static, was very creative and effective. All in all, great singing and dancing in a somewhat less theatrical version of this classic

Marilyn from Vancouver, British Columbia

HARD TO SURPASS THE ORIGINAL

A lot of soul put into this musical. I felt Jesus wasn't the powerful character he needed to be in the beginning but he picked up steam. Interesting set and costumes kind of brought it into "modern times". This is a timeless musical and I feel like it lacked some of the lustre that made me love it from the beginning. All the singers were great.

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