I
will have to admit that it has been many years since I was at Wembley
Arena. I think it was a Neil Diamond concert (please don’t hold it
against me). Since then a new foyer has been added, with the way into
the main building moving from one end to the other. Next door its
rather large bigger brother, Wembley Stadium has been knocked down and
rebuilt into a modern effigy of steel and lights. But the Arena itself,
a cauldron of music and events has remained pretty much unchanged since
it was first opened.
We
are here tonight for one reason, Jesus Christ Superstar: The Arena
Tour. A musical in an arena, you may laugh at the concept but the
reality is that was how it was originally envisioned. A rock opera
about the last few weeks in the life of Jesus Christ. Originally a
concept album, by the then pretty much unknown pairing of Andrew Lloyd
Webber and Tim Rice. It originally shocked, the more conservative parts
of the theatre going public when it was first released and yet, after a
few hiccups it made its debut in the early 1970s.
This
current incarnation, as a result of a talent search on British
Television is promising something slightly different. A more modern
take on the story, in terms of the presentation. The score remains the
same as it was in the original concept album. But the choreography, set
against the backdrop of the London riots in 2011, bring a more modern
feel to the show. A modern retelling of a 200 year old story. Those
amoungst the audience expecting the classical retelling could be very
disappointed.
An
hour to go before curtain up (not that there is a curtain in front of
the stage, and the arena is slowly filling up. Special effects smoke is
hanging in the arena rafters from the earlier dress rehearsal. As the
arena fills the audience is definitely very multicultural and a mix of
young and old. Television talent shows will do that, as will the cast
mix.
Tim
Minchin, the ultra talented Australian. An established performer and
musical writer in his own right plays Judas Iscariot. It is a role that
he has wanted to play since seeing the show years ago. And you can
understand why, the whole story is told from his perspective. In
musical terms he is the narrator of our tale.
Melanie
C, she of Spice Girls fame has one of the most powerful ballads of the
entire show, with “I don’t know how to love him”. She plays Mary
Magdalene. And she has the voice for it. A vulnerability to her
performance also helps to bring the role to life. A voice that is both
haunting and powerful.
Jesus,
the title role of the show is played by newcomer Ben Forster. What a
way to start your career in a major musical role on tour. And while he
doesn’t appear to have the stage presence of his more established
co-stars, he certainly holds his own and as long as he finds the next
role after this tour he has the right step up into the showbiz world.
But
the role I would want to play in this musical has but one song. The
self titled Herod’s Song, is the equivalent of a Shakespearean comic
turn. In this musical the role is always played in a camp manner.
Tonight, by former Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles, the role is played in the
style of Jeremy Kyle (Jerry Springer for our American cousins).
The
show itself is incredible. Ok, slightly biased because it is one of my
favourites. But it starts with a bang and doesn’t stop until the end.
We all know the story, so we know the ending before the show starts
(kind of like Titanic) but the songs and music styles flow throughout
the show. It is the hallmark of any Lloyd Webber musical that the
styles change to reflect the point in the story. Tim Rice’s lyrics,
still fresh and clever today tell the story and the characters involved
with a skill and craftsmanship lacking sometimes in this modern age.
The
venue itself is functional. The stage is at the end of the main hall,
Sitting in front of the stage you will have to look up, while those
sitting along the side of the arena you have to turn your neck to watch
the show. As for the food...meh sums it up perfectly. Overpriced, and
under=tasted.
TO
sum it up it is the story of a guy, who loves and respects another guy,
but betrays him because it is the right thing to do. He kills himself
and then comes back to life with the best song of the
musical...Superstar.
Oh..my..wow.
That was pretty much the reaction from everyone around me in the
arena. From the photo montage at the beginning to the touching death
scenes of Judas and Jesus. There wasn’t a weak part in the show. Only
one encore, but to be honest that was all you really needed. It was a
genuine reprise of Superstar.
And
that for me sums it up. Sat on the last train home and gathering my
thoughts. Did I go and watch a musical, or a rock concert? In places
it is very difficult to tell the difference. What I did see was an
event. It shocked, it was heartwarming. You felt for the characters on
stage. But more than that, on two levels the show really worked for
me.
Firstly
as a piece of musical theatre, although written in 1970, the music and
score are as fresh today as they were when they were first recorded.
And that is testament (no pun intended) to the writing of the original
score.
But
the second and most important was the relevance of the story in today's
light. The modern retelling highlighted how relevant the story is
today. How the disaffected of today are rising up against the
establishment. Thankfully on stage tonight, no lives were lost, no
blood was shed.
Long Live Superstar.
~Graham Armstrong~
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