CAODS at the
Civic Theatre
27.09.2014
Lloyd
Webber's rock oratorio, a passion play for the heavy metal
generation, gets a powerful, largely traditional staging at the
Civic.
The
opening prologue sets the tone – Jesus's early life is played out
like a fast-forward Biblical epic, with costumes and
tableaux worthy of De Mille.
The
show itself, originally a concept album, focuses on the last days of
Christ, and on the role of Judas, the
troubled outsider,
given a compelling performance here by Simon
Bristoe.
The chorus is inventively used, spilling out over the vast steps
which, with a perspex pyramid, make up the set. The energy is
palpable – in the Temple, in the Garden of Gethsemane, in What's
the Buzz. Subtlety is not notably part of director Ray Jeffery's
toolbox, and heartstrings are shamelessly tugged, while the title
number, with its assorted Angels, is high camp kitsch, as
is
the decadence of Herod's entourage. The red capes and plumes make
a strong visual statement before the uncompromising Crucifixion. Only
in the reflective John 19:41
is
the movement something of a distraction.
Excellent
performances, vocally
and dramatically,
from Stuart
Woolner
as a handsome, charismatic Messiah, and Karen
Kelleher
as a dignified Magdalene.
This
is a demanding show musically, literally an opera, with big arias and
complex ensembles. Under CAODS new MD Rob
Wicks
it is given a great performance; only occasionally are
the words lost under instrumental enthusiasm or tortured screeching.
A
virtually sell-out run, with standing
ovations for the principals, adds up to a huge success for Chelmsford's
premier company.
production photograph by Christopher Yorke-Edwards
